Injury Setback Hits Important Cubs Pitcher

The Cubs bullpen has been excellent since April 19, leading MLB with a 2.46 ERA, but they’ll have continue to their success without one of their most important pitchers. Porter Hodge hasn’t pitched since May 17, and his 15-day IL stint has been extended once again.

Hodge was initially placed on the injured list on May 20, retroactive to May 18, and at the time the team was hopeful that the right-handed pitcher would only miss the minimum amount of time. At first it was Hodge’s oblique that caused enough discomfort that led to his trip to the IL and he was already not progressing as much as the Cubs had hoped for a week later which was worrying.

Now, Hodge has a second issue that appears to be the bigger problem. Hodge was also dealing with a hip injury and Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed a few days ago that Hodge won’t be back for another couple of weeks.

Via MLB.com.

Counsell noted that imaging revealed a left hip impingement for Hodge, but the hope is that the reliever will be able to advance to mound workouts at some point next week. Given the latest development, Counsell said Hodge will need a Minor League rehab assignment and is likely “a couple weeks” away from rejoining the Cubs’ bullpen.

Since Hodge’s absence the Cubs bullpen has stepped up, collectively posting an incredible 0.89 ERA in 50.2 innings.

Hodge had worked back into the closer role following Ryan Pressly’s blowup against the Giants and although you never want to see guys getting injured it is kind of looking like a blessing in disguise. Without Hodge the Cubs have turned to Daniel Palencia to save games and he’s been dominant.

Palencia has saved five straight games and has a 1.74 ERA in 20.2 innings so far this season.

(Previous Update)

It turns out that Cubs reliever Porter Hodge won’t be coming back as soon as the team expected after he was placed on the 15-day injured list last week. Hodge, who is dealing with an oblique issue and tightness in his hip, has suffered a bit of a setback.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told local media on Monday that Hodge hasn’t progressed as much as the club had hoped and now the right-handed pitcher’s status is in limbo.

Via Marquee Sports Network.

Hodge hit the 15-day IL on May 20 (retroactive to May 18) with a left oblique strain after being absent from Game 1 of the Cubs’ road series against the Miami Marlins. Then, ahead of the Cubs’ ensuing series against the Reds in Cincinnati, manager Craig Counsell said Hodge was “in a good spot” and hadn’t shut down any activity yet.

However, Counsell said Monday that the 24-year-old reliever was “not making progress.”

“(We’re) trying to figure out why,” Counsell said of Hodge’s setback. “In the next couple of days, we need to make progress. Otherwise, the minimum stint is not going to be reasonable.”

Hodge’s overall numbers in 2025 look ugly, a 5.12 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 19.2 innings. However, most of his bad appearances have come during the past few weeks, when his hip issue might have contributed to his lack of dominance. Then, Hodge felt discomfort in his oblique, which forced the Cubs to make a roster move last week.

During his absence the Cubs have used 25-year-old Daniel Palencia as the closer. Palencia has converted three straight save opportunities after blowing his first chance on May 19, against the Marlins. The hard-throwing righty is having the best stretch of his career in the majors, posting a 1.93 ERA in 18.2 innings so far in 2025.

So, the Cubs are currently on their third pitcher in the closer role with Palencia, and you’ll certainly take the results. However, a healthy Hodge would obviously help strengthen the bullpen, so hopefully it’s not a major setback and Hodge can return closer to the middle of June rather than the end of June.