Cubs Bullpen Faces Setbacks with Injuries to Key Relievers

Hodge and Wicks to start season on injured list, impacting Cubs' relief corps

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Chicago Cubs are dealing with multiple injuries in the bullpen that will impact the roster heading into the 2026 season. Right-hander Porter Hodge and left-hander Jordan Wicks will both begin the year on the injured list due to arm issues, leaving the Cubs thin on late-inning options and left-handed depth.

Why it matters

The Cubs' bullpen was already undergoing changes with the departures of Ryan Pressly, Brad Keller, and Andrew Kittredge. The injuries to Hodge and Wicks further complicate the team's relief pitching situation as they prepare for the start of the season.

The details

Hodge is dealing with a flexor strain in his throwing arm, while Wicks is working through a nerve problem. Hodge emerged as a key late-inning option in 2024 but struggled in 2025, while Wicks was set to provide depth as a long reliever and spot starter. Their absences leave the Cubs short on left-handed options and experienced relievers to complement closer Daniel Palencia.

  • The Cubs open the 2026 season on Thursday, March 26, against the Washington Nationals.

The players

Porter Hodge

A 25-year-old right-handed reliever who debuted with the Cubs in 2024 and was slated for a late-inning role in 2026 before suffering a flexor strain.

Jordan Wicks

A left-handed pitcher who was the Cubs' first-round draft pick in 2021 and was expected to provide depth as a long reliever and spot starter before being sidelined by a nerve issue.

Daniel Palencia

The Cubs' closer who had a breakout 2025 season, recording 22 saves.

Phil Maton

A right-handed reliever the Cubs signed to a two-year, $14.5 million deal in the offseason after he split the 2025 season between the Cardinals and Rangers.

Hunter Harvey

A right-handed reliever who joined the Cubs on a one-year, $6 million contract after injuries limited him to just 12 games with the Royals in 2025.

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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 Cubs' bullpen faces significant challenges heading into the 2026 season, with the losses of Hodge and Wicks compounding the departures of other key relievers. The team will need to find creative solutions to shore up the relief corps and support closer Daniel Palencia as they aim to contend in the NL Central.