The Chicago Cubs have called up one of their top pitching prospects in left-hander Jordan Wicks, who will make his MLB debut vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.
Wicks, 23, was 7-0 split between Double-A and Triple-A after being drafted in the first round (21st overall) in 2021. He has made 48 appearances in the minors, all as a starter.
The Cubs rank 25th in starter's ERA since the All-Star break as they battle for a playoff spot in the National League. Lefty Drew Smyly has been sent back to the bullpen after some prolonged struggles as a starter, opening a spot for Wicks.
Javier Assad will have his scheduled start pushed back to Sunday.
The Cubs occupied the third wild-card position in the NL entering Saturday's games.
Wicks, who played college baseball at Kansas State, was ranked No. 51 to start the season on ESPN insider Kiley McDaniel's top 100 prospects. Wicks' best pitch is a changeup, which he deploys along with a fastball and slider.
In a related roster move, the Cubs placed right-hander Michael Fulmer on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain.