Cubs' Hendricks, Giants' Bumgarner back on right track

SAN FRANCISCO -- Two accomplished pitchers trying to get their feet back on the ground oppose each other Wednesday when the Cubs and Giants conclude their three-game series with a rubber-game matinee.

Chicago's Kyle Hendricks, baseball's ERA leader a year ago, will be opposed by San Francisco's Madison Bumgarner, the Paul Bunyanesque left-hander who has long established himself as one of the game's best.

Both, however, are trying to rediscover their prowess during injury-interrupted campaigns.

Hendricks was out from June 5-July 24 after developing tendinitis in his right pitching hand. He will be making his fourth start since returning, and he hopes to build off a season-high, seven-inning outing against the Washington Nationals on Friday.

"We've missed him terribly this season," Cubs pitching coach Chris Bosio said. "If we're going to make a statement in the National League Central, we're going to need Kyle pitching well."

With recognizable staff aces such as Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta on the roster, Hendricks flew under the radar even while posting a 2.13 ERA last season, when he became the first Cubs pitcher to lead the majors in that category since 1938.

In addition, Hendricks pitched 7 1/3 innings in Chicago's pennant-clinching win over the Los Angeles Dodgers and started Game 7 of the World Series in Cleveland, the game that would end in the Cubs' first crown in 108 years.

"What he did last year, especially at the end of the year, was record-setting just like (Jake) Arrieta did two years ago," Bosio said. "I don't think anybody's going to expect him to be at that level. If you do, then I don't think you understand the game. It was special, a record-setting moment that might not ever be done again."

The 27-year-old native of Newport Beach, Calif., is a modest 4-4 with a 3.81 ERA this year. The Dartmouth College product is 2-2 with a 3.80 ERA in four career regular-season starts against the Giants, recording 17 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings. San Francisco has hit only .202 against him.

"Especially with a guy like Kyle and how he pitches, just getting him back to be able to pitch into the sixth inning is what our goal -- try to keep pitch counts down, keep the line moving, get early outs and give us an opportunity to win," Bosio said. "That's all you can ask for from our starters."

Bumgarner (1-5, 2.88 ERA) is the third straight lefty the Giants have thrown at Chicago. He is making his sixth start since missing nearly three months after sustaining a left shoulder injury and bruised ribs in a dirt bike accident during a day off in Colorado in late April.

"His last couple of starts have been very crisp, and he's a guy who is always working to get better no matter where he is," Giants catcher Buster Posey said.

Bumgarner, 28, is 1-2 with a 2.78 ERA since his return on July 15. He has enjoyed career success against the Cubs, boasting an 8-2 record with a 2.25 ERA in 12 starts, including 5-0 with a 1.74 ERA in his past six outings against Chicago.

"I don't think it matters he's pitching out here tomorrow or a game in spring training," Posey said. "When he's out there on the mound, he's one of those unique individuals where that competitiveness is going to take over no matter what."

Bumgarner hopes to give San Francisco a series victory after the Giants earned a 6-3 win Tuesday behind lefty Ty Blach. Arrieta pitched the Cubs to a 5-3 decision in the series opener Monday.