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3 Chicago Cubs takeaways from deflating home stand
The Friendly Confines were far from that for the Cubs this past week.
2. Craig Counsell's influence reigns over the roster decisions.
The Cubs' biggest decision during the home stand was removing veteran starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks from the rotation. Hendricks made his first relief appearance on Thursday against the Braves, giving up 2 runs in 2 innings of work.
If the decision had been left to Jed Hoyer, chances are that Hendricks would have remained in the starting rotation. Hoyer is still giving Hendricks the benefit of the doubt for being the final player on the roster from the Cubs' team that won the World Series in 2016.
If there was any doubt that Counsell does not need to answer to Hoyer regarding roster decisions, Hendricks' demotion confirmed that the power lies with the highest-paid manager in Major League Baseball.