PITTSBURGH _ An MRI confirmed that Cubs left-hander Cole Hamels suffered a left oblique strain _ but the injury isn't expected to sideline him for as long as a similar injury to his right side two years ago.
Hamels will continue to undergo treatment until after the All-Star break, when the team's medical staff will outline a rehab program.
Hamels, 35, took himself out of Friday's game at Cincinnati after throwing a warmup pitch prior to the second inning. Hamels is 6-3 with a 2.98 ERA in 17 starts (99 2/3 innings).
The injury likely will sideline Hamels through at least July.
Hamels underwent the MRI on Monday in Pittsburgh, and team doctor Stephen Gryzlo confirmed the results Tuesday.
