Kyle Hendricks hasn’t pitched in a game since July 5, 2022, and Cubs fan shouldn’t be expecting him to return until May at the earliest. Hendricks has been shut down with shoulder issues and heading into spring training we did know he wouldn’t be ready for the start of the 2023 season, but at least he is still on track with the throwing program he’s going through this offseason.

There was some video of Hendricks throwing down in Mesa, Ariz., when pitchers and catchers reported in the middle of February. However, it wasn’t until this week that Hendricks completed his first full bullpen session 100 percent in spring training.

The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney reported that this was one of 10 bullpen sessions Hendricks will have as part of his plan to return from his shoulder injury that kept him out of action for the majority of the 2022 season. Hendricks is not expected to appear in a spring training game for the Cubs and will most likely stay behind in Arizona at the end of the month, when the team heads back to Chicago for Opening Day.

Kyle Hendricks says he feels great after completing the first of 10 bullpen sessions the Cubs mapped out before he progresses to live batting practice. With this timeline, it’s doubtful he’ll pitch in a Cactus League game, and certain he’ll be in extended spring training.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) March 6, 2023

While Hendricks is on track with this current timeline, it still means he’s a month behind all of the other pitchers.

Over at Cubs camp, Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) threw his first bullpen session since coming off the mound in a July game last summer. Aired it out. Afterwards, he said he was feeling great. He's about a month behind.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 6, 2023

Hendricks made 16 starts last season and posted a 4.80 ERA in 84.1 innings. Before he was completely shut down after July, the Cubs were trying to give him some extra rest in June, giving him two weeks off between starts, but ultimately his shoulder wasn’t healthy.

Back in March 2019, the Cubs signed Hendricks to a four-year, $55 million contract extension that includes a club option worth $16 million for 2024. Hendricks is the last member of the 2016 World Series team still on the Cubs.

5th Starter Competition

The Cubs are closely evaluating three pitchers for the fifth spot in the starting rotation with the absence of Hendricks.

Right-hander Hayden Wesneski made his second Cactus League start on Monday. He tossed 2.2 innings against the Seattle Mariners, allowing one unearned run on four hits. Wesneski walked a batter and struck out three.

Hayden Wesneski. The strikeout. The strut. pic.twitter.com/ReF7whR2h9
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 6, 2023

Wesneski’s seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings, leads Cubs pitchers so far in Cactus League action.

Meanwhile, Javier Assad has made two appearances in spring training and he’s looked great as well, throwing four shutout innings, while allowing only one hitter to reach base via a walk. According to Marquee Sports Network reporter Tony Andracki, Assad has been hitting 95-96mph with his fastball.

Adrian Sampson will make his second spring training start on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers. Sampson is the veteran of three pitchers competing for the fifth starting rotation job. In 2022, Sampson had a 3.11 ERA in 104.1 innings.

Sampson has made one previous start in spring training and has thrown in a simulated game in Cubs camp. With Marcus Stroman away at the World Baseball Classic with Puerto Rico, Sampson will be getting in more spring training games the next few weeks.