Hamels (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After experiencing no issues during a throwing session earlier in the week, Hamels has been cleared to resume mound work for the first time since landing on the injured list at the end of June. While this is a step in the right direction for the southpaw, a timetable for his return likely won't come into focus until he's cleared for a rehab assignment.

Hamels (oblique) threw from 120 feet Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamels resumed his throwing program Friday and has ramped things up in recent days. He felt good during the session and could toss a bullpen as soon as Wednesday, per Gonzales, though it remains unclear when he's expected to head out on a rehab assignment.

Hamels (oblique) threw off flat ground again Saturday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamels has been out since late June with a strained left oblique. He restarted his throwing program Friday and is already throwing on back-to-back days, but his timeline for beginning a rehab assignment is not yet clear.

Hamels (oblique) will start throwing off flat ground Friday, Bruce Miles of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamels was diagnosed with a left oblique strain July 2, and the start of his throwing program is the first step in returning from the injured list. The veteran left-hander still has no official timetable for his return, but he'll need to rebuild some of his arm strength after not throwing over the last couple weeks.

An MRI revealed that Hamels is dealing with a left oblique strain, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

This isn't unexpected news for Hamels, and he'll continue to receive treatment as the All-Star break approaches. According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Cubs are optimistic that the lefty will be able to embark on a rehab stint shortly after the break, though a timetable for his return has yet to be set. "We were encouraged by the results," stated manager Joe Maddon. "We still don't have any timetable, but he's feeling a lot better more quickly than we anticipated. The results weren't overly negative."

Hamels' (oblique) MRI results are still pending, but "it doesn't sound like any worst-case scenario," Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rogers says we will likely know more Tuesday. While this report is encouraging, the worst-case scenario was that it was season-ending -- there is a fairly wide range of possible recovery timetables for this sort of injury, depending on the severity of the oblique strain. Hamels left his June 28 outing against the Reds after feeling something in his left side in the first inning and was subsequently placed on the injured list.

Hamels will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of his oblique injury, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamels was scheduled to have an MRI on Saturday, but the Cubs will instead wait a couple days, and provide treatment in the meantime. The full extent of Hamels' injury will not be known until doctors review the results of Monday's scan, so it remains to be seen just how long he will be out.

Hamels has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He will get an MRI Saturday, after which a timetable for his return will be revealed. Given the nature of the injury, however, it's safe to expect Hamels to be sidelined for at least a few weeks. Adbert Alzolay now likely sticks in the rotation even after Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) returns. Tyler Chatwood could enter the rotation for a turn before Hendricks comes back, possibly sometime next week.

Hamels left Friday's game against the Reds in the second inning with an apparent left oblique injury, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He missed time with an oblique injury in 2017, but that was to his right side. Mike Montgomery replaced Hamels, who was charged with one earned run on two hits and a walk while getting just three outs (one strikeout). Tyler Chatwood would likely step into the rotation in the short term if Hamels has to miss his next start.

Hamels exited Friday's game agains the Reds with an apparent injury, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was replaced by Mike Montgomery. Hamels gave up one run on two hits with one strikeout while recording three outs before exiting in the second inning.