Hayden Wesneski Injury News & Updates

Wesneski allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one over three innings in Friday's 8-0 loss to Atlanta.

Wesneski mopped up after starter Kyle Hendricks allowed seven runs over four innings. The Cubs became buyers at the deadline, leaving Wesneski on the outside looking in at a rotation spot, at least for the time being. He threw 50 pitches Friday, with the lone blemish being a homer allowed to Austin Riley in the seventh inning.

The Cubs recalled Wesneski from Triple-A Iowa ahead of his start Friday against St. Louis, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wesneski has been impressive in the majors this season, posting a 2.18 ERA and 0.94 WHIP across 33 frames. If he's able to continue his impressive rookie campaign against the Cardinals on Friday, there's a solid chance Wesneski remains in the Cubs' rotation long-term. Michael Rucker was optioned to Iowa to clear a space for Wesneski.

Wesneski was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Wesneski had been pitching in relief of late and faring well, allowing two runs over 10 innings. He'll head back to Iowa, though, and it's not clear what role is planned for him there.

Wesneski allowed one run across three innings of relief in Sunday's loss to the Orioles. He gave up three hits and struck out two,

Wesneski covered the last three innings of the game in a long relief role and kept the Cubs around in an eventual 6-3 defeat. The righty has bookended two good appearances around two bad performances his last four games, giving him a 5.65 ERA across 14.1 innings in the span. That includes allowing five runs over three innings his last time out on June 11. For the season, Wesneski is sitting with a 5.20 ERA. He may be able to reenter the rotation at some point, though for now he figures to keep working as a long reliever, which limits his fantasy appeal.

Wesneski (2-3) allowed five runs on four hits across three innings to take the loss Sunday against the Giants. He walked one and struck out four.

The four strikeouts were the lone bright spot for Wesneski, as the young righty was hit hard, including allowing two home runs. He now has a 5.33 ERA this season and has allowed 13 long balls across 50.2 innings. With Justin Steele (forearm) likely to return June 17, Wesneski is probably done in the rotation for now. He could shift to a long-relief role or possibly return to Triple-A.

Wesneski allowed four runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk with four strikeouts over 4.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Tuesday.

Wesneski got through three innings with little trouble, but he gave up a solo home run to Shohei Ohtani in the fourth. Things got worse as Wesneski hit a batter and released a wild pitch in the fifth, and Brandon Hughes couldn't clean up the mess without surrendering the lead. Wesneski was initially set to pitch as a reliever following a two-week stint with Triple-A Iowa, but he'll likely be in the rotation for as long as Justin Steele (forearm) is out. Wesneski has a 4.72 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 36:12 K:BB over 47.2 innings through 10 outings (nine starts). He's tentatively lined up for a road start in San Francisco over the weekend.

Wesneski will start Tuesday's road game against the Angels.

As manager David Ross suggested over the weekend would be the case, Wesneski will end up re-entering the rotation as a replacement for Justin Steele (forearm), who was recently moved to the 15-day injured list. When Steele exited just three innings into his most recent start last Wednesday against the Rays, Wesneski came on in long relief and struck out four while allowing one earned run on one hit and two walks. Before making the relief appearance, Wesneski had started in each of his eight prior outings on the season with the Cubs, logging a 5.03 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB across 39.1 frames.

Cubs manager David Ross told reporters that the plan is for Wesneski to replace Justin Steele (forearm) in the rotation while Steele is on the 15-day injured list, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Ross believes Steele will only miss two turns through the rotation. Wesneski opened the year as a starter for the Cubs, but the right-hander struggled to a 5.03 ERA before being demoted to Triple-A Iowa in the middle of May. Wesneski has shown the ability to miss bats, but he'll be a risky fantasy streamer while he's a member of the rotation, and it doesn't appear this will be a long-term appointment.

Wesneski allowed one run on one hit across 3.2 innings of relief in Wednesday's loss to the Rays. He walked two and struck out four.

Wesneski entered in the fourth inning with starter Justin Steele departing with left forearm tightness. The former had just been recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday and last pitched in an MLB game back on May 13, but he looked sharp nonetheless. It's unclear if Steele will have to miss time moving forward, though if he does, Wesneski would be a logical candidate to step into the rotation spot after making eight starts earlier in the year for the Cubs.

Chicago recalled Wesneski from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Wesneski will return to the Cubs in a long relief role ahead of Tuesday night's game against the Rays. He was optioned to Iowa in mid-May after stumbling to a 5.03 ERA through his first 39.1 innings (eight starts) this season with Chicago.

Wesneski was optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the Cubs on Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wesneski was a popular fantasy sleeper this spring, and while he had some good starts with the Cubs, he struggled with consistency in ultimately posting a 5.03 ERA and 28:9 K:BB over 39.1 innings covering eight starts. He'll cede his spot in the rotation to Kyle Hendricks (shoulder), who is in line for his season debut later this week.

Wesneski (2-2) took the loss Saturday, surrendering seven runs on seven hits -- including four home runs -- and a walk over five innings as the Cubs were routed 11-1 by the Twins. He struck out five.

Alex Kirilloff's solo shot in the first inning set the tone for the Cubs' disastrous afternoon, as Wesneski served up multiple long balls for the first time since his opening start of the season. The right-hander has now been tagged for 10 homers in 39.1 innings, fueling a 5.03 ERA that doesn't match his otherwise decent 1.32 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB. He didn't have significant trouble keeping the ball in the park in the minors, so it's possible his luck will shift for the better as the campaign progresses, but his lack of dominance gives Wesneski little margin for error. His next outing will likely come on the road next weekend in Philadelphia.

Wesneski allowed one run on five hits and no walks over six innings Sunday against the Marlins. He struck out six and did not factor into the decision.

Wesneski found himself with runners on the corners and one out in the opening frame before escaping with a 6-4-3 double play. He then went on to retire nine straight batters until Yuli Gurriel kicked off the fifth with a solo home run to left. Wesneski did allow a pair of singles in the inning as well but got out of it allowing just the one run. Sunday was his third consecutive outing allowing just a single run and his second start in a row going at least six innings. The 25-year-old now owns a 3.93 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB over 34.1 innings. He's projected to take the ball next in a road game against the Twins later in the week.

Wesneski allowed just one run on five hits across six innings but did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's loss to the Nationals. He had two strikeouts and did not walk a batter.

Wesneski was sharp, but the Cubs mustered only one run of support, denying him a shot at his third win of the season. After allowing eight earned runs across six innings in his first two starts of the year, the youngster has allowed just six earned runs over 22.1 innings in his last four outings. Wesneski will look to keep it up in his next start, which is tentatively set for Sunday against the Marlins.

Wesneski (2-1) allowed one run on four hits across five innings to earn the win Thursday against the Padres. He walked one and struck out three.

Outside of a Manny Machado solo home run in the second inning, Wesneski was in cruise control for his second win of the season. He hasn't fully been able to carry over his success from spring training, as he's still sitting at a 5.24 ERA and has only pitched five or more innings twice in five starts. However, Wesneski has looked pretty sharp in two of his last three outings, and the Cubs figure to have some patience with the promising 25-year-old.

Wesneski (1-1) took the loss Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk over 4.1 innings during a 9-4 loss to the Dodgers. He struck out one.

Wesneski allowed a leadoff single to Mookie Betts, a double to Freddie Freeman and walked Max Muncy to load the bases in the first, but he limited the damage by inducing a double play from J.D. Martinez. However, that wasn't the end of the trouble for the young right-hander, who served up a solo home run to James Outman in the second and an RBI single to Outman in the fourth. Wesneski came out for the fifth but was pulled after Mookie Betts reached on a fielding error by Patrick Wisdom with one out. Outside of a stellar start in Oakland, Wesneski has really struggled to begin the campaign after showing flashes last year. He'll look to find some rhythm in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for the Cubs' upcoming three-game set with the Padres.

Wesneski (1-0) allowed one run on five hits over seven frames Monday, striking out seven and earning a win over Oakland.

Wesneski totaled just six innings of work in a pair of shaky outings to begin the 2023 season. He turned things Monday around against a subpar Athletics lineup. He gave up a run on four hits in the first two innings before cruising through his final five frames, racking up 11 total swinging strikes in the process. Wesneski is now sporting an 11:6 K:BB and a 4.15 ERA this season. He's lined up to face the Dodgers at home this weekend.

Wesneski did not factor in the decision on Tuesday against the Mariners, allowing two runs on five hits with four walks over 1.1 innings pitched.

Wesneski struggled in his second start, and the lack of command was visible as he walked four batters in just 1.1 innings. With a high 7.50 ERA and a 2.83 WHIP through six innings, Wesneski's performance has been subpar to begin the campaign. The 25-year-old will look to make adjustments for his next start, tentatively scheduled for this weekend against the Athletics.

Wesneski allowed three runs on six hits across 4.2 innings and did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Reds. He walked two and struck out four.

Wesneski wasn't particularly sharp, as he allowed two solo home runs and needed 87 pitches to retire 14 batters, but the Cubs scored 10 runs over the last three innings to run away with a 12-5 victory. The righty had a strong spring to earn the fifth starter spot, and while he should have some degree of job security in the early going, he certainly could be bumped from the rotation at some point if the struggles persist. Wesneski is lined up to face the Mariners in his next scheduled start Monday.

Wesneski will open the year as the Cubs' fifth starter, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wesneski was the man most fantasy players wanted to win the job, but he had to beat out Adrian Sampson and Javier Assad to win it. The opening is technically only a temporary one, with Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) seemingly tracking towards a debut sometime in May, but there's every chance Wesneski will have pitched well enough to lock himself into a starting role by that point. The 25-year-old has made just five big-league starts, but his 2.18 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 33:7 K:BB in 33 MLB innings last year give plenty of reason for optimism.

Wesneski allowed just one unearned run with five strikeouts over five innings in a Cactus League start Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Wesneski continues to charge toward the final spot in the Cubs' season-opening starting rotation, now boasting a 2.12 ERA and 22:6 K:BB in 17 innings of Cactus League work. The 25-year-old right-hander looked great down the stretch with Chicago in 2022 and is shaping up as a pretty attractive late-round grab in fantasy drafts for 2023.

Wesneski is listed as the probable starter for Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Wesneski has pitched well over the spring with a 3.00 ERA and 17 strikeouts over his 12 innings of work. The right-hander is battling for one of the final spots in the Chicago rotation to open the year, and Javier Assad is also scheduled to pitch on Thursday. The results for Wesneski -- as well as Assad -- will go a long way in determining who will win the fifth starter job for the Cubs.

Wesneski allowed four runs on four hits across 3.1 innings in Friday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers. He walked two and struck out six.

Wesneski entered the game with a 0.00 ERA this spring but endured his first Cactus League rough patch. The six strikeouts are still promising, giving the righty 17 of them across 12 innings. Wesneski has emerged as the top candidate for the team's fifth starter role, and he could be a sneaky fantasy option if he secures the job and continues to pitch well.

Wesneski is viewed as the favorite to win the final spot in the Cubs' rotation, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Adrian Sampson was considered the favorite for the gig when camp opened, but he's struggled and Wesneski hasn't allowed an earned run over 8.2 Cactus League innings, boasting an 11:2 K:BB along the way. Javier Assad is also a candidate and has pitched well, too, but Mooney writes that "it would be a big surprise" if Wesneski isn't the choice. The righty was excellent down the stretch for the Cubs last season and makes for an intriguing late-round selection in fantasy leagues.

Wesneski tossed 2.2 scoreless innings in Monday's Cactus League game against the Mariners. He allowed four hits and a walk while striking out three.

Wesneski is now up to 4.2 scoreless innings this spring with seven strikeouts. He looked good in limited action with the Cubs last season, recording a 2.18 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 33 strikeouts across 33 innings in six appearances (four starts). The 25-year-old is competing in camp with Javier Assad and Adrian Sampson for the fifth spot in the rotation. Wesneski has certainly helped his cause so far, and he could be a sneaky fantasy option if he's making regular starts this season.

Wesneski is in contention to break camp as the Cubs' fifth starter, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The spot may be only be a temporary one until Kyle Hendricks returns from his shoulder injury, and there are a long number of other candidates for the role, but it's still encouraging news for those expecting Wesneski to take a big jump this season. After coming over at the deadline in the Scott Effross trade, Wesneski cruised to a 2.18 ERA and 33:7 K:BB in 33 innings in his first taste of the majors. If he does indeed get the chance to take a few turns in the rotation to start the year, it's possible he pitches too well to give up the role.

Wesneski (3-2) allowed just two runs (one earned) across six innings but took the loss Monday against the Reds. He gave up four hits and a walk, while striking out six.

Wesneski pitched well, but Hunter Greene was better in the 3-1 Cincinnati win. The former looked good in six starts for the Cubs, allowing three earned runs or fewer in each outing, which left him with a 2.18 ERA overall across 33 innings. That should wrap up Wesneski's rookie season, and he's put himself into a strong position to compete for an Opening Day rotation spot in 2023.

Wesneski (3-1) earned the win against the Phillies on Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits with two walks over five innings. He struck out three.

Wesneski ran into trouble in the third inning after hitting Kyle Schwarber with a pitch and giving up a single to Rhys Hoskins in the following at-bat. Schwarber would then come in to score on a sacrifice fly from Bryce Harper. Wesneski also gave up back-to-back singles to lead off the fourth and eventually loaded the bases, but was able to pitch his way out of the jam. The 24-year-old right-hander now has three wins in September to only one loss and has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last three starts.

Wesneski (2-1) earned the victory Thursday in Pittsburgh, striking out six in 6.1 innings while allowing two runs on five hits and two walks.

Wesneski was highly effective through the first six innings, allowing just a run on four hits -- three of them by Bryan Reynolds -- and even throwing an immaculate inning in the fifth. He allowed a solo homer to Kevin Newman to begin the seventh before retiring his final batter of the evening. Wesneski has thrown at least 6.1 innings and allowed two runs or fewer in each of his two starts this year. His next start will likely be in the middle of next week against Philadelphia.

Wesneski allowed just one run on three hits across seven innings but did not factor into the decision in Saturday's game against the Rockies. He had no walks and struck out seven.

Wesneski didn't get the run support he needed for a win in the 3-1 defeat, but he still looked good in his first MLB start. The righty had previously made two relief appearances for the Cubs, allowing three runs across 8.2 innings while striking out 11. The strikeouts have been promising for Wesneski so far, and the 24-year-old is currently penciled in to start again Friday against the Pirates. If he continues to impress, he could be in the mix for a 2023 Opening Day rotation spot on a rebuilding Chicago squad.

Wesneski will start at home Saturday against the Rockies, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Wesneski's first two big-league appearances have come out of the bullpen, and he's allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out 11 in 8.2 innings. He'll have the chance to make his first major-league start Saturday since Wade Miley's start will be pushed back to Monday. It's not yet clear whether Wesneski will remain in the rotation following Saturday's outing, but it's possible that the Cubs utilize a six-man rotation if he performs well against the Rockies.

Wesneski isn't scheduled to start any of the Cubs' three weekend games versus the Rockies and looks set to remain in the bullpen,Al Yellon of SBNation.com reports.

The Cubs view the 24-year-old right-hander as a starter over the long haul, but he's made both of his first two big-league appearances as a reliever, piggybacking Wade Miley on both occasions. After striking out eight over five shutout innings against the Reds in his MLB debut Sept. 6, Wesneski took a step back this past Sunday, yielding three earned runs on four hits and one walk over 3.2 innings to take a loss against the Giants. Considering that Miley built up to five innings and 75 pitches in that same game against the Giants, the Cubs will likely have less of a need for Wesneski to piggyback the veteran southpaw in Miley's upcoming start Saturday versus Colorado. As a result, Wesneski's relief appearances could be shorter in length moving forward and won't necessarily come on days that Miley pitches.

Wesneski (1-0) earned the victory Tuesday against Cincinnati, striking out eight in five scoreless innings while allowing two hits and walking one in a 9-3 win.

Wesneski retired 13 of the first 14 batters he faced, including 11 in a row at one point, and needed just 61 pitches to complete the five frames. He entered the game in the fifth inning with the Cubs losing 3-1 and was the beneficiary of eight runs of support as he finished out the game. Chicago acquired the 24-year-old from the Yankees before the trade deadline and he made five appearances for Triple-A Iowa before Tuesday's promotion. With Justin Steele (back) on the injured list, it wouldn't be a surprise if Wesneski's next appearance comes as a starter.