Jason Hammel Injury: Updates on Cubs P's Hamstring and Return

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel left Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals after just one inning with a left hamstring injury, according to the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales. 

Continue for updates.

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Hammel Headed for an MRI

Wednesday, July 8

According to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat, Hammel is slated to undergo an MRI Thursday to determine if the tightness in his left hamstring is indicative of a more significant problem. 

Hammel tossed a perfect first inning against the Cardinals, but he never returned to the mound and was ultimately replaced by Clayton Richard after experiencing discomfort, per Gonzales:

The 32-year-old right-handed hurler is 5-4 this season with a 2.86 ERA that ranks second among all Cubs pitchers who have pitched at least 50 innings. His 105 strikeouts also rank No. 2 overall on the Cubs behind Jake Arrieta. 

According to ESPN.com, Hammel's 5.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio ranks third among all National League pitchers behind Max Scherzer and Bartolo Colon. 

With Hammel in the midst of a career year, the Cubs will be holding their breath as they await the results of the MRI.