Cubs scratch Hammel with elbow tightness

The Chicago Cubs have scratched Jason Hammel from his start Friday against the Cincinnati Reds in a precautionary move due to tightness in his right elbow, according to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat.

Friday would have been Hammel's final start of the season, and with only three days remaining, it's unclear if the Cubs intend to fit him in for one last outing before the postseason.

The Cubs also revealed Hammel has been pitching through the tightness recently, which may explain a drastic change in his splits for September. In the last month of the season, Hammel has posted a 8.71 ERA in four starts, while he's crafted a much better 3.83 ERA on the year.

His last start Sept. 24 against the St. Louis Cardinals was his most concerning, however, as the right-hander was pulled after only 2 1/3 innings after allowing six earned runs on six hits.