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

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