MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs will begin the season without relievers Jordan Wicks and Porter Hodge due to injuries, with both players placed on the injured list as spring camp concludes. Wicks and Hodge’s absences pose early setbacks for the team’s bullpen depth this year.
Porter Hodge, coming off an inconsistent and injury-plagued 2025 season, was expected to rebound and contribute significantly to the Cubs’ relief corps. However, a flexor tendon strain has forced him onto the injured list, restricting him from throwing for the next two weeks, with plans to start plyometric exercises by the end of March. His elbow soreness appeared after his last Cactus League appearance on February 27, where he struggled with command, walking seven batters across two innings.
Left-hander Jordan Wicks is also sidelined due to radial nerve irritation, an issue that has kept him out since February 25. He is expected to resume mound work sometime in mid-to-late March as he recovers.
Manager’s Perspective on the Setbacks for Cubs’ Bullpen
Manager Craig Counsell expressed disappointment about the injuries but acknowledged the physically demanding nature of pitching. He noted the team’s need to adapt while maintaining optimism about recovery timelines for both players.
“It’s a setback and it’s going to put him certainly behind and take him a while to get back up to be healthy and ready to contribute,”
Counsell said Sunday.
“So that part is unfortunate.”
“These are hard, physical jobs that are going to cause injuries, so they’re going to happen, and putting the roster together, you have to look at it, unfortunately,”
Counsell added.
“You don’t want anybody to get hurt. Certainly weren’t expecting those two guys to get hurt, but they’re the two guys right now that are going to be dealing with something.”
“On both ends, we’re fortunate they’re not the long-term injuries right now, so that’s a good thing.”
Positive Developments for First Baseman Jonathon Long
In contrast to the bullpen injuries, the Cubs received encouraging news regarding first baseman Jonathon Long, who has been sidelined since February 21 due to a left elbow sprain. Recent testing has shown positive results, and Long is beginning to ramp up his activity again. He has resumed full workouts, including hitting and defensive drills, and the team anticipates his potential return to Cactus League games by the weekend.
Manager Counsell expressed confidence in Long’s recovery, highlighting his progression back toward game readiness after his injury.
Roster Moves as Cubs Trim Spring Camp Participants
Ahead of Sunday’s game, the Cubs reduced their major-league spring training roster from 62 players to 53. Several players were optioned to minor league teams to streamline preparations for the regular season.
Among those sent to Triple-A Iowa were left-hander Riley Martin, right-hander Jack Neely, and infielders Ben Cowles and James Triantos. Additionally, infielder Pedro Ramírez was assigned to Double-A Knoxville. Right-handed pitchers Grant Kipp, Connor Noland, Connor Schultz, and Jaxon Wiggins were returned to minor league camp.
Jaxon Wiggins, despite being optioned, showed promising ability this spring and could contribute to the Cubs’ pitching staff later in the season.
“The finishing touches can happen really fast, is how I would describe it,”
Counsell said.
“That’s Jackson’s job right now to go complete that and just make himself a little bit more of a complete pitcher, but it’s certainly very close.”
Depth Players Provide Insurance for Cubs’ Infield
Pedro Ramírez, James Triantos, and Ben Cowles make up part of the Cubs’ infield depth, all of whom remain on the 40-man roster and could be called up if injuries occur during the season. Counsell emphasized the value of having players who are ready and capable as immediate replacements. Several members of the 26-man roster have praised Ramírez’s work ethic, which is promising for the young infielder’s future with the team.
Triantos, after a difficult offensive season last year, has started spring training on a positive note, showing signs of improvement which the coaching staff finds encouraging.
“When you’re on the 40-man roster, the message is always, look, whatever’s going on, you’re a day away from being a Chicago Cub,”
Counsell said.
“So I always think that helps you through the season and understanding that if something happens, because you’re on the roster you get the first shot. For (those three) that really applies, no matter what’s going on outside all the things you can control.”
Implications for Cubs’ Season and Bullpen Strategy
The placement of Jordan Wicks and Porter Hodge on the injured list challenges the Cubs at the start of their pitching plans as both are expected to be contributors in the bullpen. While these injuries are not long-term, their absence early in the season will require adjustments and depth players to fill the gaps.
Reintroducing Jonathon Long to the lineup signals progress in the Cubs’ efforts to stabilize their roster amid setbacks. The team’s roster management decisions, including sending prospects like Wiggins to minor leagues, reflect a balanced approach focused on immediate needs and player development.
As spring training transitions to regular-season readiness, the Cubs will remain attentive to the health and progression of their pitching staff, hoping that Wicks and Hodge return fully recovered to support the team’s goals.
