Cubs Pitcher Porter Hodge Out for Season After UCL Surgery

The 25-year-old reliever will miss the remainder of the 2026 MLB season.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:27pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of a Cubs pitcher's throwing motion captures the dynamic energy and unpredictability of the game, mirroring the team's challenge to overcome a key injury.Chicago Today

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge will undergo UCL surgery, ending his 2026 season. Hodge, 25, made his MLB debut in 2024 and had some success as the team's closer, but struggled with injuries in 2025. The Cubs will now have to move forward without Hodge as they look to climb back over .500 in the competitive NL Central.

Why it matters

Hodge's injury is a significant blow to the Cubs' bullpen, as he had shown promise as a potential late-inning option. The team will need to find alternative solutions to shore up their relief corps as they try to keep pace in the division race.

The details

Hodge has not pitched in a big league game this year, and now his 2026 season is over due to the UCL surgery. He made his MLB debut in 2024 and had a 1.88 ERA that year, even spending time as the Cubs' closer and recording 9 saves. However, 2025 was a different story, as Hodge struggled with injuries and finished the season with a 6.27 ERA in 36 appearances.

  • Hodge will undergo UCL surgery, ending his 2026 season.
  • Hodge made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2024.

The players

Porter Hodge

A 25-year-old relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after undergoing UCL surgery.

Chicago Cubs

The MLB team that Hodge plays for, currently in last place in the NL Central with an 8-9 record.

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What they’re saying

“Hodge has not pitched in a big league game this year, and now his 2026 season is over.”

— Taylor McGregor

What’s next

The Cubs will need to find alternative solutions to shore up their bullpen as Hodge recovers from surgery, and they will continue to monitor his progress with the goal of having him return healthy in 2027.

The takeaway

Hodge's season-ending injury is a significant setback for the Cubs, who were hoping he could build on his early MLB success and solidify their bullpen. The team will now have to adjust their plans and find new options to fill his role, underscoring the unpredictability and challenges of a long baseball season.