Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced on Sunday that relief pitchers Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks will begin the season on the injured list due to arm problems.
Hodge is battling a flexor strain in his right elbow and will be shut down from throwing activities for several weeks to promote healing. Meanwhile, Wicks has been sidelined with nerve irritation in his left throwing arm and hasn’t pitched since appearing in three games during February spring training.
The 25-year-old right-handed Hodge had an impressive debut campaign in 2024, posting a 1.88 ERA across 43 innings pitched. However, his 2025 performance declined significantly with a 6.27 ERA over 33 innings. His spring training struggles continued this year, surrendering seven earned runs and issuing seven walks in just two innings across three outings.
Wicks, age 26, has compiled a 5.21 ERA during his Cubs tenure over the past three seasons, appearing in 26 games including 17 starts. Across 95 innings of work, he has recorded 79 strikeouts while walking 32 batters.
