ANAHEIM, Calif.. — Kyle Hendricks did something today that he’s never done before – compete as a starting pitcher against the Chicago Cubs.
Hendricks spent the first 10 years of his career with the Cubs, from 2014-2024. During the Cubs’ 2016 World Series win, Hendricks had a 2.13 earned run average – the lowest in the league.
“Defineitely a different type of game for me in a way,” Hendricks said in postgame interviews. “It was so cool just to see those guys over the last few days, really fun matching up against them. Obviously just good to see them playing good baseball and winning games this late in the season. It’s just electric for that city over there. We didn’t want it to happen this weekend obviously, but moving forward, just wishing them nothing but the best.”
A brutal 12-1 beating by the Cubs less than 24 hours ago induced multiple injuries for the Angels including Noah Schanuel, Carson Fulmer and Victor Mederos.
Fulmer has right elbow inflammation, Mederos has right shoulder inflammation and both have been placed on the 15-day injured list.
Schanuel received an MRI today and is on the 10-day injured list due to left wrist contusion.
“I want to be back in 10 (days),” Schanuel said. “I don’t want to waste any time. I mean if it was up to me I would be back tomorrow but need to just rest and recover.”
The Angels had the opportunity to take at least one game from the Cubs during this three game series, but they didn’t.
Instead they were swept with today’s 4-3 loss in Anaheim.
Taylor Ward went 2-for-4, with two RBIs and hit his 30th home run of the season – tying Justin Upton as the second left fielder to hit 30 home runs in Angels history.
Ward said 30 home runs was a goal of his and it’s a special feeling to achieve that.
Trout went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
When asked if his knee was bothering him, Trout said:
“I mean I feel it, but it is what it is.”
He said he feels good in the batting cages and working on recognizing the pitch, being on time and trusting his work will translate on the field.
Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw both went 2-for-4 for Chicago. The Cubs finished with four runs on eight hits and five walks.
Jameson Taillon pitched five innings allowing three hits and one earned run against the Angels.
Hendricks pitched 4.1 innings with five hits, four earned runs and three walks, getting the loss in today’s game.
The Angels fall to 61-68 and will face the Rangers, Astros and Royals on a 10-game away trip.
