MLB: Chicago White Sox at Chicago Cubs May 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge (37) celebrates with catcher Miguel Amaya (9) team’s win against the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs’ closer to hit the IL with oblique injury

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Andy Jachim | Last updated May 19, 2025 10:15 PM ET

Injuries have hit the Chicago Cubs’ pitching staff hard so far this season after the front office did their best to bolster it in the offseason. Shota Imanaga is currently on the IL with a hamstring strain, and he won’t be back on the hill until June. Justin Steele was ruled out for the season in April and underwent elbow surgery, leaving the team without their two best starters for a decent period.

Following Monday’s tough series-opening loss to the Miami Marlins, manager Craig Counsell revealed that another important arm for this Cubs team will miss some time moving forward.

Chicago Cubs closer Porter Hodge to hit the IL

Counsell told the media after Monday’s loss that Hodge will head to the IL with an oblique injury. The right-hander was not able to work the ninth frame in the series opener that Chicago did not close out. They held a 7-6 lead entering the ninth, and Daniel Palencia couldn’t slam the door shut.

Hodge has worked in 21 games for the Cubs this season and has a 5.12 ERA in 19.1 innings tossed. He was promoted to the closer role after Ryan Pressly struggled mightily in the position to begin the campaign. Hodge has a 2-1 record and a 1.50 WHIP so far in 2025.

MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants Jun 26, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Porter Hodge (37) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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