Kyle Hendricks will return to the rotation in Pittsburgh

Kyle Hendricks last pitched June 14 against the Dodgers in Los Angeles and had a somewhat shaky outing, that after being lights-out for several starts in a row (2.36 ERA in the seven starts prior to the one in L.A.). He then went on the injured list with a minor shoulder issue.

Tuesday, he’ll be back:

The issue really must have been minor, as Hendricks will return after just a couple of bullpen sessions and no rehab assignment. This seems to mesh with Kyle’s method of pitching, very precise and measured, no emotion shown, nothing other than going out there and doing his job. The team and Kyle must be satisfied that he’s ready to go.

No roster move has yet been announced (and probably won’t be before Tuesday), but I would assume Rowan Wick will head back to Iowa at that point and Dillon Maples will stick around. Maples had a really good outing Saturday and I hope he has finally arrived in the big leagues to stay. Maple

With an off day Friday before two games against the White Sox in Chicago Saturday and next Sunday, that means Jon Lester, who is starting today, could go Saturday and then Adbert Alzolay or Hendricks could throw the final game before the All-Star break.

Suddenly, after the rotation appeared to be in a bit of a shambles, things are taking shape again. Today’s game preview will post at 10:30 a.m. CT.