CHICAGO -- The Cubs’ bullpen has weathered a few early-season storms, including the loss of high-leverage righty Porter Hodge to an oblique injury earlier this month.
On Saturday morning, Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted that Hodge is expected to be sidelined longer than originally hoped, as the pitcher works his way back from the 15-day injured list. Initially, Hodge was shelved on May 18 due to a left oblique issue, but he is now working through a setback with his left hip.
“Porter’s doing well,” Counsell said. “The oblique is kind of resolved. It’s his left hip that’s bothering him right now. That’s, frankly, slowed him down. We’re good on the oblique. So we’re trying to get through that right now. We’re making progress.”
Counsell noted that imaging revealed a left hip impingement for Hodge, but the hope is that the reliever will be able to advance to mound workouts at some point next week. Given the latest development, Counsell said Hodge will need a Minor League rehab assignment and is likely “a couple weeks” away from rejoining the Cubs’ bullpen.
The 24-year-old Hodge -- who emerged as a closing option in his rookie campaign in 2024 -- has posted a 5.12 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 11 walks in 21 games (19 1/3 innings) this season. It is worth noting, however, that nine of the 11 earned runs he has allowed came between rough appearances on April 18 and May 11 (consisting of one inning combined).
Since Hodge’s last outing on May 17, Chicago’s bullpen as a whole has been finding its footing. The group entered Saturday with a 1.13 ERA in 40 innings in that time period, with righty Daniel Palencia filling in as a ninth-inning arm, veteran Ryan Pressly finding a rhythm and an assortment of other pitchers stepping up.
“I like how we’ve been pitching down there,” Counsell said. “And the guys have been doing a heck of a job for each other, and covering each other’s outs. That’s an important part of this.”