Jordan Wicks's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Chicago Cubs left-hander Jordan Wicks (oblique) will make a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Saturday. It will be Wicks' first time pitching in a game since suffering a Grade 2 right-oblique strain back in the middle of June, so he'll almost certainly require multiple rehab starts before the Cubs consider activating him from the injured list. And even when the 24-year-old southpaw is cleared to return to the big-league pitching staff, there's no guarantee that he'll immediately re-enter Chicago's starting rotation. Wicks did have a 25% strikeout rate in 28 innings pitched this year before going down with an oblique injury while sporting a 4.18 ERA (3.10 FIP) and 1.46 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and 10 walks in seven appearances (six starts). At best, Wicks will be a deep-league, matchup-based streaming option down the stretch if he replaces Kyle Hendricks in the rotation.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks (oblique) threw live batting practice on Friday afternoon, according to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports. Wicks was recently shifted to the 60-day IL after suffering a grade two oblique strain in June. Through 28 innings this season, the southpaw has held a modest 4.18 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and a 10:32 BB:K ratio. Last summer, in his debut season, the former first-round pick posted a similar 4.41 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 34 innings of work. This was a big first step for the Kansas State product as he looks to potentially return to the mound before the end of the month. When he returns, he will either serve as the sixth man in the rotation or be pushed to a long relief role.

The Chicago Cubs moved left-hander Jordan Wicks (oblique) to the 60-day injured list on Friday to make room on the 40-man roster for pitcher Jesus Tinoco, whose contract was selected from the minors. Wicks will not be eligible to come off the IL until the middle of August, but he might need more time than that after suffering a Grade 2 right-oblique strain in the middle of June. The 24-year-old southpaw went 1-2 with a 4.18 ERA (3.09 FIP) and 1.46 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and 10 walks in 28 innings over his seven appearances (six starts) for the Cubbies earlier this year before getting hurt. When healthy, Hicks can be a matchup-based streamer in deeper fantasy leagues, but there's no guarantee he'll return in a starting role later this season.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks (forearm) is scheduled to throw two more bullpen sessions before embarking on his rehab assignment, as per manager Craig Counsell. Wicks is making significant progress after only being placed on the 15-day injured list on April 28. The southpaw has already faced live hitters but the Cubs are leaning on the side of caution with their young starting pitcher. The 24-year-old made his major league debut late last season and posted a modest 4.41 ERA and 1.27 WHIP through 34 innings. This season, he has thrown only 23 innings with a 4.70 ERA and 1.52 WHIP. When Wicks is cleared to return, he should expected to operate as the fifth man in the Cubs rotation, making him only worth rostering in deeper fantasy leagues.

Chicago Cubs left-handers Drew Smyly (hip) and Jordan Wicks (forearm) were both scheduled to throw bullpen sessions on Tuesday. Wicks went on the injured list over a week ago with a strained left forearm but is already good to throw off a mound, so it sounds as though his injury isn't very serious. However, the 24-year-old southpaw could need a minor-league rehab assignment before the Cubs feel comfortable returning him to their starting rotation. Smyly, 34, is recovering from a right-hip impingement and has already missed several weeks. Because Smyly is a reliever, he may not need as lengthy of a rehab assignment before rejoining Chicago's bullpen. In a starting role, Wicks is more attractive in fantasy in deeper leagues. He had a 4.70 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP and 28 K's in five starts before his injury.