With just eight regular season games left, the Chicago Cubs made a critical change to their pitching staff as their postseason hopes continue to grow slim. On Friday, southpaw Jordan Wicks went on the injured list, while the Cubs activated right-hander Hayden Wesneski. Chicago also recalled right-hander Trey Wingenter from Triple-A Iowa and designated right-hander Shawn Armstrong for assignment in corresponding moves.
The #Cubs today activated RHP Hayden Wesneski from the 15-day IL and designated RHP Shawn Armstrong for assignment. pic.twitter.com/rh0IhnKVWe
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 20, 2024
The Chicago Cubs today recalled RHP Trey Wingenter from @IowaCubs and placed LHP Jordan Wicks on the 15-day IL with a right oblique strain (retroactive to Sept. 18).
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 20, 2024
Cubs Activate Hayden Wesneski in Pitching Staff Shakeup
Wicks returned from a right oblique injury on September 1st after a two-month stint on the injured list, only to have a similar setback end his season. He made four starts, going 1-2 with a 7.50 ERA after returning from the injured list. In 11 games (10 starts) this season, the 25-year-old carries a 5.48 ERA with 42 strikeouts over 46 innings. Wicks also missed time in April because of a left forearm strain. Wingenter has made three appearances for the Cubs this season after being claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox in August. In three games with the Cubs, the 30-year-old has a 4.50 ERA. He sports a 2.79 ERA through 9 ⅔ innings with Triple-A Iowa.
The Cubs also activated the 26-year-old Wesneski off the injured list on Friday. He had been sidelined with a right forearm strain since July 20th. In 25 games (seven starts) for the Cubs, Wesneski has posted a 3.94 ERA with 58 strikeouts. He began a seven-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa earlier this month, pitching to a 3.45 ERA. Armstrong made eight appearances for Chicago after being claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on August 30th. He posted a 4.91 ERA in eight appearances out of the Cubs bullpen. The 34-year-old has pitched for three teams this year, tossing 66 ⅔ innings with a 4.86 ERA.
After Friday’s results, the Cubs trail the New York Mets by six games in the National League Wild Card race.
Photo Credit: © Jeff Le-Imagn Images
