The Chicago Cubs are expected to begin the season with pitchers Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks sidelined due to arm injuries, Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed. Hodge is dealing with a right flexor strain, while Wicks is experiencing radial nerve irritation in his left forearm, which has put both on track to start the season on the 15-day injured list. This development affects the team’s pitching depth as they prepare for Opening Day.
Details on Porter Hodge’s Condition and Recent Performance
Right-hander Porter Hodge has not pitched since late February and struggled during his three appearances in the spring Cactus League, posting an alarming 31.50 ERA across two innings. Counsell indicated that although Hodge’s flexor strain will keep him off the mound for approximately two weeks, it does not appear to be a long-term concern. The Cubs plan to give Hodge ample time to recover before ramping up his workload again.
Jordan Wicks’ Arm Issue and Recovery Outlook
Initially described as irritation, Wicks’ radial nerve problem was further examined through an MRI that showed no structural damage. Despite the potential for nerve-related problems to persist, Wicks has been able to throw and is expected to resume mound work by mid-March. Counsell remains optimistic about a gradual return as the left-handed pitcher recovers from the forearm nerve irritation that has held him back.
Impact on Cubs’ Rotation and Bullpen Depth
Neither Hodge nor Wicks was guaranteed a spot on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster, but their unavailability is already creating challenges for the pitching staff’s lineup flexibility. Wicks, picked 21st overall in the 2021 MLB draft, performed exclusively as a reliever during his eight appearances last season. However, most of his professional experience, in both the majors and minors, has come as a starting pitcher. The uncertainty surrounding their health puts additional pressure on the Cubs to fill innings elsewhere.
Career Background and Performance Overview of Jordan Wicks
Although Wicks attracted significant attention as a top-100 prospect with strong draft credentials, he has yet to solidify his role at the major league level. Over 95 innings with the Cubs, he holds a 5.21 ERA, with an 18.5% strikeout rate and a 7.5% walk rate. Persistent injuries have limited his progress; a forearm strain and oblique injury kept him sidelined for much of the 2024 season. In 2025, Wicks experienced inconsistent usage, shuttled between Chicago and Triple-A Iowa without much sustained opportunity.
Porter Hodge’s Recent Career Challenges and Potential Upside
After an impressive rookie campaign in 2024, when Hodge posted a 1.88 ERA and struck out 31.7% of batters over 43 innings, his 2025 season was hampered by oblique and shoulder injuries that sidelined him for almost two months. When healthy, his effectiveness declined, as shown by a 6.27 ERA across 33 innings. Still, underlying metrics such as SIERA suggest his performances in 2024 and 2025 were relatively comparable, at 3.22 and 3.80 respectively. Counsell and the Cubs remain hopeful Hodge can overcome control issues and regain his earlier form as a valuable bullpen arm if he stays healthy.
Outlook for Cubs’ Season Start Amid Pitching Setbacks
The projected absence of both Hodge and Wicks at the start of the season forces Chicago to adapt its pitching strategies in the coming weeks. While Wicks hopes to resume mound work soon, his ongoing recovery from nerve irritation leaves some uncertainty over his availability. Hodge’s recovery timeline appears more stable, yet the Cubs’ rotation and bullpen will need to absorb these short-term losses. How well the team manages these setbacks could play a crucial role in their early-season performance and overall roster decisions moving forward.
