Cubs Call Up Best Reliever from Last Year for Stretch Run

The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for the stretch run and they've added their best reliever from last year to the bullpen. Right-hander Porter Hodge has been called up from Triple-A ahead of Sunday's series finale against the Colorado Rockies.

To make room on the active roster the Cubs are going to send left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks back to Triple-A Iowa.

Hodge has dealt with some injuries in 2025, and his numbers certainly reflect those struggles. In his rookie year Hodge was outstanding as the right-hander posted a 1.88 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 43 innings with 52 strikeouts. So far in 2025, Hodge has been limited to 23.2 innings in the majors, where he's recorded a 6.85 ERA and 1.56 WHIP and only 25 strikeouts.

The good news is that Hodge has returned from the injured list and has pitched great during the month of August for the Iowa Cubs. He tossed 12 scoreless innings with 20 strikeouts across nine relief appearances. The walks are still something that can get Hodge into trouble, but he looks very similar to his previous healthy form, which is a great sign for the Cubs.

(Previous Update)

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced Wednesday afternoon that there will be a slight shakeup to the bullpen as the team will place struggling relief pitcher Porter Hodge on the 15-day injured list. The right-handed pitcher missed nearly six weeks earlier this season with an oblique and then hip issue and now the second-year reliever is dealing with a shoulder problem.

Hodge made his return to the team on June 25, and has made five appearances since his initial stint on the injured list. He looked good against the St. Louis Cardinals this past weekend, striking out four batters in two scoreless innings of work, but on Tuesday night Hodge was crushed by the Minnesota Twins.

Now, Hodge will get time to figure things out while resting his injured pitching shoulder. Ethan Roberts will be called up to take Hodge's spot in the bullpen. Counsell revealed the roster move on 670 The Score prior to Wednesday night's game against the Twins.

Hodge was only able to record one out in last night's eighth inning. The right-hander surrendered six runs on five hits, including three home runs.

After pitching like a stud in his rookie season with the Cubs Hodge has taken a major step back in 2025. The injuries have certainly played a part as Hodge goes back to the sidelines with a 6.85 ERA in 23.2 innings. So, Hodge will now be out at least through the All-Star break. We see drastic results from relief pitchers every year and most of the time it is because of injuries, so hopefully Hodge returns to 100% down the stretch to give the Cubs a boost in September and hopefully into October.

As for Roberts, the 28-year-old returns to the majors for the third time in 2025. The righty made all his appearances for the club during April, posting a 5.40 ERA in nine games. Four of the five runs that Roberts allowed came in his last outing on April 26, against the Philadelphia Phillies. In 39 career games at the MLB level Roberts has recorded a 4.85 ERA in 42.2 innings with 41 strikeouts and a 1.57 WHIP.

Roberts has performed well at Triple-A this season, recording a 2.74 ERA in 23 innings. The righty has posted a stellar 32.7 K% while holding the opposition to a .195 batting average.