Kyle Hendricks earns NL Rookie of the Month honors

The Chicago Cubs have had the baseball world buzzing as of late with the recent call-ups of their young prospects, many of whom have made an immediate impact in the league. One that seemed to go unnoticed amidst all the buzz was the constant top-notch performance of right-hander Kyle Hendricks.

That’s no longer the case.

Hendricks was named the National League Rookie of the Month for August. He’s the first Cub to earn the honor since Anthony Rizzo did it in July 2012, and the first Cubs pitcher since the award’s inception in 2001.

He posted a 4-0 record, and the Cubs went undefeated in his six outings. Of qualifying NL rookies, Hendricks led them all with a 1.69 ERA (7 ER – 37 1/3 IP). He ranked second in innings pitched and opponents’ batting average (.206), and struck out 20, good for eighth –  while walking only six.

With the Cubs moving to a six-man rotation for the remainder of the season, it’s unlikely Hendricks has any chance at Rookie of the Year as I suggested recently. But it clearly isn’t for lack of effort. He has become another bright spot down the stretch for the Cubs, which as a whole, continues to shine a little brighter each day.