According to multiple reports, the MRI on Jason Hammel’s left hamstring came back positive and he is expected to avoid the disabled list.
The MRI did not reveal any damage, structural issues or strain. Jason Hammel is expected to make his next start after the break. The Cubs will move him back a couple of days. Instead of starting the third game in Atlanta, the Cubs have pushed him to the fifth spot in the rotation. Hammel is penciled in to start July 21 in Cincinnati.
The All-Star break is really coming at the best time for Jason Hammel. It is very likely he would have missed at least one start if not for the break. With Hammel tentatively scheduled for July 21 he will have 12 days between starts.
Joe Maddon has not announced how he and Chris Bosio will lineup the rotation after the break. With Hammel pushed to July 21, the Cubs will likely go with Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks in Atlanta. The Cubs will have to decide between Clayton Richard, Dallas Beeler or Tsuyoshi Wada for the opener in Cincinnati on July 20 if the front office does not add a starter before then.
After the break, the Cubs play three games in Atlanta (July 17-19) and four games in three days at the Great American Ball Park (July 20-22). The Cubs and Reds have a day-night doubleheader scheduled for July 22 to make up the game that was postponed on April 25.
Jason Hammel has been the Cubs most consistent starting pitcher this season. Hammel is 5-4 in 17 games with a 2.86 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 3.06 FIP. Hammel has allowed 39 runs, 33 earned, on 80 hits with 18 walks and 105 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings.
Hammel has really found a home with the Cubs (13-9 in 34 starts with a 2.92 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 3.13 FIP, 209 strikeouts, 41 walks and 168 hits allowed in 212 1/3 innings) and losing him for any amount of time could have a big impact on the season.