Jordan Wicks exits with injury vs. Cardinals

CHICAGO — The Cubs’ pitching staff took another hit on Friday, when left-hander Jordan Wicks exited his start against the Cardinals with right oblique discomfort, per the team’s announcement.

Wicks allowed a two-out single to St. Louis center fielder Dylan Carlson in the second inning. Almost immediately, Wicks showed signs of being in pain. Counsell and a trainer sprinted out to the mound to check on Wicks. He exited then, and during an in-game interview with Marquee Sports Network, Counsell confirmed it was an oblique issue.

“He felt it pretty good, so we’ll just have to see what the doctors say after the game and where we’re at,” Counsell said.

Kyle Hendricks entered from the bullpen to replace Wicks.

Friday was Wicks’ first start since April 23 and his second appearance since coming off the 15-day injured list on June 7 after dealing with a left forearm strain.

Wicks’ turn on Friday was previously right-hander Ben Brown’s turn in the rotation. Brown went on the 15-day IL on Tuesday with a left neck strain. But after undergoing further testing, he was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his neck, per Counsell, who noted the new diagnosis “is going to mean an absence, for sure.”