Chicago has scratched left-hander Cole Hamels from his scheduled start against the Cardinals on Saturday due to shoulder fatigue. In place of Hamels, the Cubs have pushed left-hander Jose Quintana back a day to Saturday, while right-hander Alec Mills will fill in and take the mound Friday.
Hamels missed all of July with a left oblique injury, and he's had lingering shoulder soreness. The Cubs expressed hope that he'll only miss one start.
Related
Hamels has struggled mightily since returning from the injured list in early August, posting a 6.39 ERA in his nine starts since then. Mills has performed well lately, only allowing one run in his past six innings, which span three relief outings. Mills has a 3.42 ERA in seven appearances for the Cubs this season.
In other Cubs news, closer Craig Kimbrel (elbow inflammation) was activated Thursday. He had been sidelined since Sept. 1 with elbow inflammation. Kimbrel has a 5.68 ERA in 21 appearances and has converted 13 of 15 saves.
Additionally, shortstop Javier Baez (thumb fracture) could be available as a pinch-runner Thursday as he continues his rehab. He has been cleared for light baseball activities.
The Cubs and Cardinals open a four-game series at Wrigley Field at 6:15 p.m. Thursday.