Mets playoffs: Kyle Hendricks to start Game 3 for Cubs, Jason Hammel likely for Game 4

Kyle Hendricks will start Game 3 against the Mets, and Jason Hammel is "likely" to start Game 4, according to Cubs manager Joe Maddon. The Mets will counter with Jacob deGrom in Game 3 and Steven Matz in Game 4.

While Jake Arrieta received all the fanfare during the season, Hendricks had a solid year himself. The Dartmouth College product posted a 3.95 ERA and a 3.36 FIP in 180 innings this season. In two starts against the Mets in his career, Hendricks has only allowed two runs in 13 innings. Mets hitters had a paltry .419 OPS against him in those outings. On June 30, their only meeting of the season, Hendricks went six scoreless innings, striking out six and walking one in a win. He got roughed up in his previous start this postseason, giving up three runs in 4.2 innings in Game 2 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jason Hammel put up similar numbers to Hendricks in 2015. His 3.74 ERA and 3.68 FIP were solid but not spectacular. Hammel's career numbers against the Mets are pretty bad—he's posted a 4.91 ERA in five starts against them. In 2015 he made one start against the Mets, throwing eight innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts. He started Game 4 against the Cardinals but only lasted three innings.

Hendricks has fared better at home this season, while Hammel has struggled in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. Hendricks and Hammel are both righties, so look for Lucas Duda and Michael Conforto to get the starts.