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Cubs' Pitching Staff Plagued by More Injuries
16 Apr
Summary
- Porter Hodge requires Tommy John surgery, ending his 2026 and part of 2027 seasons.
- The Cubs' pitching staff is severely depleted with multiple key players injured.
- Hodge had a strong 2024 rookie season but struggled in 2025 before his injury.
The Chicago Cubs' pitching staff is facing a deepening injury crisis as right-hander Porter Hodge will undergo Tommy John surgery. This procedure will sideline Hodge for the remainder of the 2026 season and extend into a good portion of the 2027 season. Hodge was already on the injured list with a right elbow strain, and this surgery is a significant setback.
This latest injury compounds the Cubs' pitching challenges. The team currently has starters Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and Matthew Boyd on the injured list, with Horton out for the season. The bullpen is similarly affected, with Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Jordan Wicks, Ethan Roberts, and now Hodge all sidelined.
Hodge debuted in 2024, pitching effectively with a 1.88 ERA and nine saves. However, his performance declined in 2025, leading to a shift in closer responsibilities. His absence further strains a depleted bullpen that now relies on a reduced roster of available pitchers, highlighting the team's significant injury troubles.
