Cubs' abrupt Liam Hendriks decision will have them regretting obvious opportunity

Given that Liam Hendriks was stringing together scoreless outing for the Iowa Cubs over the past week, conventional wisdom pointed to him soon getting an opportunity in the Chicago Cubs bullpen. The Cubs bullpen has been a revolving door for most of the season, and it was only fitting that the former All-Star get a look.

It turns out the Cubs may have had other plans. Scanning the transaction log for the I-Cubs on Thursday night, the Cubs have announced that both Hendriks and former Atlanta Braves left-handed relief pitcher Aaron Bummer have been released.

Bummer and Hedriks signed minor-league deals with the Cubs around the same time, so chances are each had the same opt-out date. It's possible they return on a minor-league deals, but pitching is in demand across the league.

As was made clear when the Cubs signed Hendriks earlier this season, it's been a few years since he was the All-Star closer that most fans remember him as. He's dealt with injuries and regression, and that afforded the Cubs the opportunity to see if they can figure out a way for him to have success again.

Cubs abruptly abandon experiment with former White Sox star reliever that deserved better

It appeared to be working. In his four outings in Iowa, Hendriks struck out five of the 14 hitters he faced while only giving up one hit and issuing one walk. For a team that has left no stone unturned in their search for pitching, Hendriks' results felt like the best possible outcome of what to expect.

Again, it wasn't likely that Hendriks would become an immediate fix for what has plagued the bullpen in recent weeks, but it's strange the Cubs didn't take advantage of the opportunity that was in front of them.

As for Bummer, the numbers weren't good in his brief run with the I-Cubs. In six appearances, he allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks.

In the weeks ahead, there's going to be moving parts across the Cubs' pitching staff. Between pitchers getting healthy and expected additions at the trade deadline, it's also possible the front office wanted to avoid even further gymnastic being needed by rostering Hendriks.

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