Cubs Relievers Hodge and Wicks to Miss Start of Season

Elbow and arm injuries will sideline the two pitchers to begin 2026 campaign.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Chicago Cubs relievers Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks will both start the 2026 season on the injured list, manager Craig Counsell announced on Sunday. Hodge is dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow, while Wicks is sidelined by nerve irritation in his left throwing arm.

Why it matters

The Cubs are counting on Hodge and Wicks to be key contributors in the bullpen this season, so their early-season absences will force the team to rely more heavily on other relievers to start the year.

The details

Hodge, a 25-year-old right-hander, is being shut down for a few weeks to allow his elbow injury to heal. He had a strong rookie season in 2024 with a 1.88 ERA over 43 innings, but struggled in 2025 with a 6.27 ERA. Wicks, 26, has a 5.21 ERA over 26 appearances (17 starts) and 95 innings for the Cubs over the past three seasons.

  • On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that Hodge and Wicks will start the season on the injured list.

The players

Porter Hodge

A 25-year-old right-handed relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow.

Jordan Wicks

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

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The early-season injuries to Hodge and Wicks will force the Cubs to rely more heavily on other relievers to start the 2026 season, testing the depth of their bullpen.