Jordan Wicks: Everything you need to know

Wicks (elbow) struck out two batters and allowed one hit and one walk over three scoreless innings Saturday in a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa. Heading into spring training, Wicks was expected to vie for a spot in the Cubs' Opening Day bullpen, but he was shut down early in camp with left elbow inflammation and was later placed on the injured list. Given that Wicks tossed 37 pitches in his first rehab appearance, the Cubs may now be looking to stretch him out for a starting role, after Chicago's rotation depth has already been tested early on this season. Matthew Boyd (biceps) appears likely to beat Wicks back from the IL to reclaim a rotation spot from either Javier Assad or Colin Rea, but the Cubs may still be compelled to give Wicks a look as a starter if he continues to thrive while on assignment in Iowa.

The Cubs placed Wicks (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday. Left elbow inflammation will keep Wicks sidelined for at least the first couple weeks of the regular season. He has resumed throwing off the mound, but it's unclear when he'll be ready for game action.

Wicks (forearm) is slated to throw off a mound next week, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. Wicks was diagnosed with radial nerve irritation in his left forearm over the weekend, but the inflammation in his pitching arm has since dissipated. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said previously that Wicks would likely begin the season on the injured list and that's presumably still the case, but it seems the lefty's absence won't be an extended one.