Cubs relievers Porter Hodge, Jordan Wicks to start season on IL

Field Level Media|published: Sun 8th March, 15:02 2026

Sep 17, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge (37) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Cubs relievers Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks will start the season on the injured list, Chicago manager Craig Counsell told reporters Sunday.

Hodge is dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow and will stop throwing for a few weeks to allow recovery, while Wicks, who hasn't thrown since making three February spring-training appearances, is dealing with nerve irritation in his left (throwing) arm.

A 25-year-old right-hander, Hodge followed a strong rookie season (1.88 ERA over 43 innings) in 2024 with a struggle-laden 2025 season in which he posted a 6.27 ERA over 33 innings. He struggled early this spring, allowing seven earned runs with seven walks over two innings spanning three appearances.

Wicks, 26, has a 5.21 ERA over 26 appearances (17 starts) and 95 innings over the last three seasons for the Cubs with 32 walks and 79 strikeouts.

--Field Level Media

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