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Cubs to Open Season With Porter Hodge, Jordan Wicks on IL

The Cubs plan to lean on internal depth during cautious rehab timelines for both pitchers.

Overview

  • Manager Craig Counsell said Sunday that Hodge and Wicks will begin 2026 on the injured list.
  • Hodge has a right flexor strain and is shut down from throwing for a few weeks with a reevaluation planned in about two weeks.
  • Wicks is dealing with radial nerve irritation in his left forearm, has been playing catch, and is expected to resume mound work in mid-to-late March after imaging showed no structural damage.
  • Counsell called both issues setbacks but said they do not appear to be long-term at this time.
  • Chicago trimmed big-league camp from 62 to 53 players, optioning several pitchers and infielders, increasing the likelihood that early bullpen innings go to in-house options while Hodge and Wicks recover.