Hammel (7-2) pitched seven innings, allowing one run on five hits while walking four in a no-decision against the Nationals on Wednesday. He did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

The 11th-year veteran continued his widely unforeseen career year with his eighth quality start of the season. He's allowed more no more than three earned runs in all but one of his outings this season. And, although he has shown the ability to be an above-average pitcher in years past, Hammel has never been a potential 20-game winner like he is right now. The 6-foot-6 righty is on pace to challenge most of his career-best numbers across the board.

Hammel struck out four and walked none in 5.2 innings against the Braves on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel was out away from throwing a quality start, but he gave up eight hits - including two solo homers in the second inning. He's still 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA, so he still has a good shot at earning his first All-Star berth next month.

Hammel (leg) improved his record to 7-1 by surrendering only one hit, two earned runs and two walks over seven innings in Saturday's 5-3 victory over the D-backs. He struck out six and also helped his own cause with a two-run single.

EDGE Analysis

He showed no ill effects from the leg cramps that affected him in his last start, as Hammel was able to throw 62 of his 96 pitches for strikes, whle also inducing 12 swings-and-misses. The 33-year-old actually turned in his best performance of the season, as the one hit allowed was a season low. His one mistake, a two-run homer to Jake Lamb in the first inning, was the first he'd given up in the last three starts, and only the fifth overall on the season. He'll look to continue his stellar campaign next Friday versus the Braves.

Hammel (leg) remains listed as the Cubs' starting pitcher for Saturday's game against Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel departed his last outing Monday with cramps in his leg, but all along the belief has been that he'll be ready to start Saturday. After throwing a side session earlier in the week, that's still the case, and Hammel is not expected to be limited as he takes on a Diamondbacks team that's dropped four of its last five games.

Hammel (leg) remains on track to start Saturday against the Diamondbacks, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.

EDGE Analysis

He threw a side session Wednesday and the Cubs are confident he will make Saturday's start. As always, Hammel is a solid bet to walk away with the win Saturday, as he is 6-1 through 10 starts, thanks to a 2.09 ERA and the best run support in the league.

Hammel (leg) is not expected to miss his next start after departing Monday's game with cramps, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel was lifted prior to the third inning, but after the game manager Joe Maddon said he doesn't expect the right-hander to miss any additional time. Hammel, who was replaced by long reliever Travis Wood, is scheduled to make his next start Saturday against the Diamondbacks.

Hammel exited Monday's game prior to the third inning with what appears to be cramping, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel was down on the ground stretching before the inning even started, and after attempting a few warmup pitches, was unable to go. He'll be replaced by long reliever Travis Wood in the contest after contributing two scoreless innings. Should the ailment prove to be a simple case of cramping, Hammel shouldn't be in much danger of missing his next start, but keep an eye out for the Cubs to confirm one way or another.

Hammel (6-1) allowed just one run on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts over 7.1 innings in Tuesday's win over St. Louis.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel bounced back from a rough start last time out against Milwaukee, as he didn't allow a run until he started to run out of gas in the eighth inning. He induced 13 swinging strikes and nine ground balls as he efficiently worked through the Cardinals lineup. Hammel now has six quality starts in nine times out this season, and he hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start other than the aforementioned road bump against Milwaukee.

Hammel (5-1) took the loss Thursday against the Brewers, allowing four runs on five hits while walking two and striking out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel entered the day 8-0 in 11 career starts against Milwaukee, but he absorbed his first-ever loss to a makeshift starting lineup absent Ryan Braun (back), Jonathan Lucroy (rest) and Domingo Santana (shoulder). He was done in by a couple of unusual home runs considering he has an elite 0.6 HR/9. The 33-year-old veteran managed to keep his high strikeout rate in place as he now holds an 8.29 K/9. Hammel will look to get back to his winning ways in his next start Tuesday against the Cardinals.

Hammel allowed two runs (one earned) on eight hits, walking two and striking out eight over 6.2 innings of a 9-4 win over Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel (5-0) kept the Pirates in check until the sixth inning when they got to him for a pair of runs, but the game was already out of reach. He has a very impressive 1.77 ERA, but he has been prone to putting quite a few runners on base so there is at least mild reason for concern that some regression may be in his future. He'll try to keep the ball rolling on the road against the Brewers next time out.