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Cubs To Start Kyle Hendricks In Game 2 Of NLDS

(CBS) The biggest question mark the Cubs have entering the NLDS has a central figure to try and provide an answer.

Chicago will start right-hander Kyle Hendricks in Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday at St. Louis, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Thursday. Behind ace Jake Arrieta and left-hander Jon Lester, the Cubs' rotation has often been inconsistent or, at the least, failed to go deep into games, leading to some uncertainty as to who would get the call in Game 2.

After a strong finish to the regular season, Hendricks gets the nod over right-hander Jason Hammel. Hendricks threw six shutout innings in each of his final two starts, allowing just three hits in those 12 innings while striking out 17. He was 8-7 with a 3.95 ERA and 1.16 WHIP this year. Hammel was 10-7 with a 3.74 ERA and struggled in September, posting a 6.46 ERA.

"Kyle's been (good), you saw the last couple games," Maddon said. "It's the fact he's been really sharp. The fact that he can put the ball on the ground matters a lot too, keep the ball out of the air. He's just been very sharp, so we just chose to do that."

Hendricks will oppose Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia (10-6, 2.43 ERA). Hendricks started against St. Louis once this season, taking a no-decision on May 5 after allowing four earned runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. The Cubs lost that game 7-4.

It was already known that Lester will oppose St. Louis right-hander John Lackey (13-10, 2.77 ERA) in Game 1 on Friday. Cubs ace Jake Arrieta (22-6, 1.77 ERA) will start Game 3 back at Wrigley Field on Monday against Michael Wacha (17-7, 3.38).

Hammel could start Game 4, Maddon said, though that's not been determined for certain. Lance Lynn will pitch Game 4 for St. Louis.

"There's a possibility it's going to be Jason Hammel, but we don't know that yet," Maddon said. "A lot of it's going to depend on how the first three games go. He'll be out of the bullpen early and then we'll see what's available by Game 4.

"It's going to get back to the idea if we don't use Jason Hammel before that (Game 4), you probably will see him in Game 4. But if we need him sooner than that, you'll see him sooner than that. Then we'll have to make an adjustment for Game 4."

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