Porter Hodge, Jordan Wicks Likely Start Season on Cubs’ IL

The Cubs will open the season with injuries clouding their pitching depth. Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks are both expected to start the year on the 15-day injured list due to arm problems.

This article takes a look at what’s going on with each pitcher, some possible timelines, and how these injuries could shape Chicago’s rotation and bullpen as the season gets underway.

Injury updates and what they mean for the Cubs

The club confirmed Porter Hodge has a right flexor strain. He hasn’t pitched since February 27 and gave up a whopping 31.50 ERA in three Cactus League appearances, covering just two innings.

Manager Craig Counsell doesn’t believe the strain will be a long-term concern, but Hodge will sit for about two weeks to recover. Meanwhile, Jordan Wicks has radial nerve irritation in his left forearm.

An MRI didn’t show any structural damage, though nerve issues can hang around. Wicks has been able to play catch, and Counsell hopes he’ll get back on the mound by mid-March.

Neither pitcher had a guaranteed Opening Day roster spot, but their absence definitely thins out Chicago’s rotation and bullpen depth as spring games continue.

Porter Hodge: right flexor strain

Hodge broke out as a rookie in 2024, posting a sharp 1.88 ERA and a 31.7% strikeout rate over 43 innings. His 2025 season, though, went sideways—he battled oblique and shoulder issues and finished with a 6.27 ERA in 33 innings.

Despite those rough numbers, the Cubs still see upside if he gets healthy and finds his command. Counsell’s take that the flexor strain shouldn’t linger gives a bit of hope for a bullpen role once he’s back to full strength.

A two-week shutdown makes sense here. If all goes well, Hodge could have a shot to contribute later in the spring.

Jordan Wicks: radial nerve irritation

Wicks was the 21st overall pick in 2021 and has mostly started as a pro, though in 2025 he worked eight MLB games as a reliever. His big-league numbers: a 5.21 ERA, 18.5% strikeout rate, and a 7.5% walk rate in 95 innings.

He’s already dealt with forearm and oblique issues back in 2024, so his path to sticking in the rotation hasn’t been smooth. The new nerve issue adds more uncertainty, but at least the MRI came back clean.

If Wicks gets back on the mound by mid-March and avoids setbacks, the Cubs are sure to keep a close eye on him as a possible spring roster option.

Impact on Cubs’ 2025 rotation and depth

With both Hodge and Wicks out, Chicago’s early-season plans take a hit. Their injuries force the Cubs to lean on other arms in camp, and it’s likely veterans or rookies will have to fill in, at least for a while.

• Rotation depth: No Hodge or Wicks means the Cubs need other pitchers to step up for Opening Day. Someone who was on the fringe might get a shot, or a long reliever could move into the rotation. If injuries drag on, Chicago might even look outside the organization for help.
• Bullpen flexibility: These injuries will probably make the bullpen take on more innings early in the schedule. That’ll test the late-inning group and put more weight on versatile relievers who can bridge to the closer or handle multiple innings.
• Development track: For Hodge, the two-week shutdown is a chance to make sure his forearm and command are right. Wicks needs to ramp up slowly to avoid making the nerve issue worse, but if things break right, he could still help out by midseason.
• Timeline and expectations: If both pitchers recover as hoped, there’s a real chance they’ll contribute in April or May. The club will keep a close watch on their workloads to avoid setbacks and protect their arms for the long haul.

Why Hodge and Wicks still hold value for Chicago

Hodge flashed some real strikeout stuff in 2024. Wicks has followed a solid developmental path, with a lot of upside if he can turn his starter experience into steady results on the mound.

Underlying metrics like SIERA say both guys have more going for them than just what the box score shows. They might still take on meaningful roles when they’re healthy enough to pitch.

For the Cubs, it’s not just about talent—it’s about timing. If both arms get back to being durable and productive, suddenly there’s a flexible late-spring or early-summer option to help steady either the rotation or the bullpen.

As spring rolls along, fans might want to keep an eye on Hodge and Wicks’ rehab updates. A healthy comeback could flip these injuries from a headache into a sneaky upgrade for Chicago’s pitching staff.

On the other hand, if things drag out, the front office probably ramps up the search for depth. That could even shift how folks look at Opening Day expectations, honestly.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Porter Hodge, Jordan Wicks Likely To Begin Season On Cubs’ IL