Porter

Hodge

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters Hodge could potentially be cleared to resume throwing in early April, which would put him on track to make it back at some point in late April or early May.

Hodge was expected to make the Cubs’ Opening Day bullpen in a middle relief role. The severity of the injury — as well as how much time he stands to miss — are not yet known. Hodge posted an unsightly 31.50 ERA and 5.50 WHIP over two innings of work during Cactus League play.

Hodge was the victim of the one hit against him being a fly lost in the sun, but that doesn’t excuse him throwing just eight of his 25 pitches for strikes. Hodge, who had a 1.88 ERA and nine saves as a rookie for the Cubs in 2024, finished last season in the minors and seems likely to return there to open 2026. He had a 6.27 ERA in his 36 major league appearances last season.

Hodge heads back to the minors with lefty swingman Jordan Wicks coming up to take his spot in Chicago’s bullpen. It’s been a lost season for Hodge overall as he’s battled injuries and struggled to a bloated 6.27 ERA across 33 innings over 36 appearances at the highest level.

The Cubs’ closer will head for further evaluation to determine the severity of the injury, but it sounds like a trip to the injured list could be in the cards here. He came on with the Cubs leading 3-1 in the ninth inning on Sunday and surrendered five runs on four hits and a walk — including a pair of home runs — without recording an out before he was mercifully lifted. Brad Keller has been terrific in a setup role and could be the next man up in the ninth inning, though Porter Hodge may be in the mix as well for save chances if Palencia misses any time.

Hodge returns to the big leagues after spending the last month languishing in Triple-A purgatory. The 24-year-old righty has struggled to a lackluster 6.85 ERA across 23 2/3 innings (26 appearances) this season at the highest level. He’ll likely operate in low-leverage spots for Chicago over the final month.

No word yet on a corresponding move from the Cubs, expect that to be announced sometime on Tuesday. It could be the return of Porter Hodge to the Cubs’ bullpen or it could be something entirely unrelated. Stay tuned.

Hodge remains in the minors after wrapping up a minor league rehab assignment. The 24-year-old righty has a 6.85 ERA on the season, requiring a pair of trips to the injured list. But he did flash some long-term upside as 15 of his 18 earned runs came in just three appearances.

The 24-year-old hurler has been shelved since early July due to a right shoulder impingement. He’ll need at least a couple of outings in the minor leagues before he’s ready to rejoin the Cubs’ bullpen. Look for him to return early next week if all goes according to plan.

Hodge heads back to the injured list for the second time this season after serving up three homers and recording only one out during a calamitous relief outing on Tuesday night against Minnesota. The 24-year-old righty is going to wind up missing at least a few weeks, even in a best-case scenario.