MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs will open their season without relief pitchers Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks, both sidelined due to injuries, manager Craig Counsell announced Sunday. The setback for Hodge is related to a flexor strain that requires several weeks of rest from throwing, while Wicks is recovering from nerve irritation that will prevent him from being ready for Opening Day.
Details on Hodge’s Elbow Injury and Recovery Timeline
Hodge’s elbow issue was discovered following his last spring appearance about a week ago, when medical imaging revealed a flexor strain. Counsell described the injury as a “setback” that will delay the 24-year-old right-hander’s progress. After a difficult 2025 season in which Hodge appeared in 26 games with a 6.27 ERA and battled multiple injuries, this new obstacle means he will need to restart his spring training once he regains health.
“It’s going to put him behind,”
Counsell said. “That part’s unfortunate.”
Jordan Wicks’ Status and Outlook for Return
Left-handed reliever Jordan Wicks, 26, has also been out since late February due to nerve irritation. After fluctuating between the minors and majors over the last few seasons, Wicks had been expected to provide bullpen depth. With hopes of returning soon after the season begins, he is projected to resume throwing later this month.
Manager Counsell’s Perspective on the Injuries
Counsell acknowledged the unanticipated nature of both injuries but expressed relief that neither player is facing a long-term absence.
“We weren’t expecting those two guys to get hurt,”
he said.
“On both ends, we’re fortunate they’re not long-term injuries, so that’s a good thing.”
Implications for the Cubs’ Bullpen and Season Opening
The Cubs face an early challenge managing their bullpen without Hodge and Wicks, both hopeful to return to full strength as the season progresses. These developments emphasize the importance of depth and resilience in Chicago’s relief corps, while the team’s medical and training staff will play a crucial role in facilitating their recoveries. How the Cubs adjust in the coming weeks could influence bullpen dynamics and performance early in the 2026 campaign.
