Cubs place Jordan Wicks on IL with oblique strain

The Chicago Cubs have made significant roster changes as they approach the end of the season. Left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right oblique strain, a move that was retroactively effective from September 18. This decision comes after Wicks had recently returned from a 60-day injured list stint, where he had made four starts with a disappointing 7.50 ERA, resulting in a 1-2 record. In response to Wicks' injury, the Cubs have recalled right-hander Trey Wingenter from Triple-A Iowa. Wingenter, who has made three appearances for the Cubs this season, holds a 4.50 ERA. His addition to the roster aims to bolster the pitching staff as the team navigates the final stretch of the season. Additionally, the Cubs activated right-hander Hayden Wesneski from the 15-day injured list, where he had been sidelined since July 20 due to a right forearm strain. Wesneski has had a mixed season, with a record of 3-6 and a 3.94 ERA across 25 games, including seven starts. As the Cubs entered their game against Washington, they found themselves seven games behind the New York Mets for the final National League wild card spot, with only nine games remaining in the regular season. These roster adjustments reflect the team's efforts to remain competitive in a challenging playoff race.