Man, for a brief minute there it appeared as though Porter Hodge had returned to form and was going to be a key reliever for the Chicago Cubs in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Hodge's turbulent 2025 season is ending in disappointment.
Hodge missed a big chunk of the year with injuries, but after getting back on track at Triple-A in August the right-hander was called back up at the start of September. Hodge, who was brilliant during his rookie season in 2024, had five straight scoreless appearances in his return to the bullpen with seven strikeouts and no hits allowed in 4.2 innings.
However, Hodge took a big step back in his last handful of high-leverage outings, giving up a game-tying home run against the Tampa Bay Rays, unable to close out a 4-0 ninth-inning lead against the Pittsburgh Pirates and then the final straw came Friday night against the Cincinnati Reds. Hodge gave up back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning as the Reds jumped ahead 7-4, which was ultimately the final score.
On Saturday, the Cubs optioned Hodge back to Triple-A Iowa and replaced him with Jordan Wicks.
Last year Hodge made 39 appearances for the Cubs and recorded a 1.88 ERA in 43 innings. As a rookie, Hodge worked his way into the closer role at the end of the year and entered the 2025 season as the set-up man. Now, Hodge will have a long offseason to look back at this disappointing campaign as he posted a 6.27 ERA in 33 innings of work.
(Previous Update)
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.
