The Rundown: Kyle Hendricks Tosses 5-Hit Shutout, Cubs May Pursue RHP Rafael Soriano, Ricketts Buys 3 More Rooftops

Prior to last night, perhaps the most disappointing performer for the Cubs this year has been Kyle Hendricks. Not because he has been particularly awful or anything, but after his brilliant rookie year last season, he hasn’t shown the same types of results.

Until last night. Hendricks was a wizard Thursday night, turning in his best start — and probably the best start from any Cubs pitcher — of the season.

He tossed a five-hit shutout while striking out seven and walking zero. Hendricks flat-out dominated.

If we can see more of this from Hendricks and he can get back to where he was last season, in which he posted a 2.46 ERA (3.32 FIP) in 13 starts, the Cubs’ rotation is going to be a thing to be reckoned with.

The kids

Last night was a good one for two of the Cubs’ youngsters — Kris Bryant and Addison Russell. Both homered and made nice plays on defense.

Bryant hit a two-run blast in the top of the first after Dexter Fowler led off the game with a walk. The home run extended Bryant’s hitting streak to 10 games.

Russell was 2-for-4 on the night, a nice rebound game after looking a bit lost against Tyson Ross on Wednesday.

Bullpen flyer?

The Cubs have kicked the tires on free-agent reliever Rafael Soriano, writes Patrick Mooney.

The 35-year-old RHP had 32 saves last season (but struggled after the All-Star break) and is training in the Dominican Republic.

Soriano is a Scott Boras client, and Mooney says he has heard the Cubs probably wouldn’t be motivated enough to pay top dollar for the reliever. That sounds about right to me. I’m sure the Cubs would be interested but aren’t going to overpay in this situation.

Other notes

* The Cubs have purchased three more rooftops on Sheffield Ave., according to the Chicago Tribune. Only three rooftop businesses on Sheffield are not owned by the Ricketts family now.

* New acquisition RHP Yoervis Medina made his debut in Triple-A Iowa yesterday. He pitched 1.1 scoreless innings, striking out one and giving up one hit and two walks. Medina came over from the Mariners for catcher Welington Castillo. Expect to see him in Chicago sometime soon.

* Arismendy Alcantara tripled and homered for Iowa yesterday. He also had an outfield assist, playing left field.