Cubs Pitchers Hodge and Wicks to Start Season on Injured List

Flexor strain and nerve irritation will sideline the relievers to start the 2026 season.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Chicago Cubs will begin the 2026 season without relief pitchers Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks, as both players were placed on the injured list due to injuries. Hodge is dealing with a flexor strain and will be shut down from throwing for a few weeks, while Wicks is sidelined by nerve irritation and will not be ready for Opening Day.

Why it matters

The loss of Hodge and Wicks is a setback for the Cubs as they look to improve on a disappointing 2025 season. Both pitchers were expected to compete for bullpen spots, so their absences will force the team to rely more on other relief options to start the year.

The details

Hodge's injury came up after his last spring training outing a week ago, with imaging revealing a flexor strain. Wicks has been out since late February due to the nerve irritation issue. Manager Craig Counsell said the team is fortunate the injuries are not long-term, but the pitchers will still need time to recover before rejoining the active roster.

  • Hodge's injury was discovered after his last spring outing a week ago.
  • Wicks has been out since late February with the nerve irritation.

The players

Porter Hodge

A 24-year-old right-handed relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is dealing with a flexor strain.

Jordan Wicks

A 26-year-old left-handed relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is sidelined by nerve irritation.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“It's a setback. It's going to put him behind.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager (abc7chicago.com)

“We weren't expecting those two guys to get hurt. On both ends, we're fortunate they're not long-term injuries, so that's a good thing.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Hodge will be shut down from throwing for a few weeks to recover from the flexor strain, while Wicks will get back on the mound later this month with the hope of returning not long after the season begins.

The takeaway

The injuries to Hodge and Wicks are a setback for the Cubs as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, but the team is fortunate the injuries are not long-term. The Cubs will need to rely on other relief options to start the year until the two pitchers can return to the active roster.