Chicago Cubs lost much more than a game on Friday night

Chicago Cubs: How will the rotation shape up next week?

Let’s just assume Hamels closes out the first half on the injured list. Given the team only has eight games left before Javier Baez and Willson Contreras head to Cleveland for the 2019 All-Star Game, expecting to see the lefty again before mid-July is likely unrealistic.

In the long-term, that timing might actually help the Cubs – giving Hamels more time to recover during the All-Star Break. But before we can think about that, Chicago has to get through the next week-plus.

Prior to Friday’s contest, we learned rookie Adbert Alzolay would get another start – this one coming on Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. It stands to reason Chatwood will likely fill in for Hamels on Wednesday. Hendricks, at least in theory, could return before the All-Star Break, as well – but that’s no sure thing.

Assuming Hendricks and Hamels both miss the rest of the first half, Alzolay, Chatwood and Mike Montgomery, who came on in relief of Hamels against the Reds, will be tasked with keeping the team’s pitching staff above water.