Cubs Provide Injury Update on Reliever Porter Hodge Ahead of Phillies Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the Chicago Cubs look to stay competitive in the NL Central race, help could soon be on the way for a bullpen that has battled inconsistencies.
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Reliever Porter Hodge, sidelined since May 18 with an oblique strain and later a hip impingement, is progressing toward a return. Ahead of the Cubs’ three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies, manager Craig Counsell provided a key update. Rather than risk weather delays in Philadelphia, Hodge will travel to Triple-A Iowa to throw a live bullpen session and continue building toward game action.
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge (37) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park.Chicago won 9-5.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
“We’re a little concerned with the weather here tomorrow early, not for the game,” Counsell said via Marquee Sports Network. “He’s going to go to Iowa and throw a live BP tomorrow. And then he’ll stay there for the game action.”
Hodge has yet to find his footing in 2025, entering the IL with a 5.12 ERA and 11 walks across 19.1 innings. In that span, he’s struck out 19 while giving up 18 hits and 12 earned runs. Still, with the Cubs’ bullpen looking for answers, particularly in the late innings, any arm with upside is a welcome addition.
Veteran closer Ryan Pressly has not been the shutdown presence the Cubs hoped for, sporting a 4.30 ERA over 23 innings. With playoff hopes still alive and the division tightly contested, Chicago is counting on Hodge to help turn the tide before the trade deadline.
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If Hodge’s rehab continues without a setback, he could rejoin the team within the next couple of weeks and offer much-needed stability alongside Pressly, Brad Keller, and the remerging Drew Pomeranz.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.