Wicks (forearm) will throw a live batting practice session Friday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Wicks (forearm) threw a bullpen session Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wicks (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wicks (forearm) has been cleared to begin playing catch, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wicks was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a strained left forearm, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wicks (0-1) allowed two runs on six hits across 4.2 innings to take the loss Saturday against the Dodgers. He walked one and struck out seven.

Wicks pitched four innings, allowing five runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out six batters in Sunday's 9-5 win over the Rangers. He did not factor into the decision.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Wicks will be part of the Opening Day rotation, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wicks appears to be the favorite to land the No. 5 spot in the Cubs' rotation to start the year, with Javier Assad shifting to the bullpen, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Wicks logged three scoreless innings in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Brewers. He allowed four hits and struck out two.