We're only talking Hendricks, they could just as easily keep him on the IL til if that situation comes up.
They have now between active, Iowa, and on IL..
Steele, Imanaga, Taillon, Assad, Wicks
Smyly, Brown, Wesneski, and now Horton
Can even add Straily if it really becomes disastrous...
I think theyre covered for a just in case disaster til June/July if they decide to try and make a trade for an available veteran arm that can help them get to and in the postseason.
I mean, Hendricks would really need to look sharp in rehab assignments and in a game or two at Iowa to be considered to get back in rotation and risk struggling to go 4-5 innings still, especially when there's young arms that can do that or better.
Wicks and Assad should only get better with more starts/innings under their belt.