The Chicago Cubs were scheduled to start Jordan Wicks in Sunday’s rubber match against the Boston Red Sox. However, Chicago will now have to pivot. The Cubs scratched Wicks due to left forearm tightness. Righty Hayden Wesneski will start in his place.
Jordan Wicks is experiencing left forearm tightness, Hayden Wesneski will start in his place tomorrow night against the Red Sox.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) April 28, 2024
Wicks has held his own in five starts this season. In 23 innings, the 24-year-old has posted a 4.70 ERA (108 ERA+) with strikeout and walk rates above the league average. It’s unclear if Wicks will miss much time beyond Sunday, but forearm tightness will likely lead to a stint on the injured list (or possibly much worse).
Chicago Cubs Scratch Jordan Wicks From Sunday’s Start
The news comes just a few days after Wicks pitched his best game of the season against the Houston Astros. In that outing, the lefty tossed six innings, allowing two runs on five hits with four punch-outs and no walks. He picked up his first win of the season, and it was the first time he lasted more than 4 2/3 innings in a start.
Jordan Wicks, Filthy 84mph Changeup. 😷 pic.twitter.com/HiDnPUlSS8
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 24, 2024
Forearm tightness often leads to serious injuries and Tommy John surgeries. However, they are also typically associated with hard throwers. That certainly does not describe Wicks. The former first-round pick averages under 93 mph on his fastball and features a changeup as his best pitch.
It’s too early to say if Wicks has a ligament issue in his elbow, but it’s certainly a possibility. The Cubs are expected to provide more information in the coming days. Many hoped to see Wicks continue his excellent pitching during Sunday Night Baseball. Instead, Wicks is expected to join Kyle Hendricks and Justin Steele as Cubs starters on the injured list.
While injuries are never good, the Wicks news comes at a time when the Cubs have depth to cover it. Chicago will turn to former top prospect Wesneski in Wicks’ immediate absence. Wesneski has promise, but he has bounced between the rotation, bullpen, and minors since debuting in 2022.
Sunday will mark his first start of the year, but he might not receive an extended look. Chicago expects Steele to return in a week or two, and he very well might take Wesneski’s spot in the rotation when he returns.
Photo Credit: © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
