Porter Hodge Lands on IL After Nightmare Outing

Injuries and Inconsistency Define His Season

This is not Hodge’s first physical setback in 2025. Earlier in the season, he spent time on the IL with a left oblique strain and dealt with lingering hip discomfort. Since returning, his velocity has dipped, and his command has been shaky. The numbers tell the story: a 1.56 WHIP, six home runs allowed in under 24 innings, and a growing inability to finish innings cleanly.

The Cubs still believe in Hodge’s upside, but his mechanics and health are clearly not where they need to be for the current part of the 2025 schedule.

Roberts Returns to the Bigs

To fill Hodge’s spot, the Cubs recalled right-hander Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa. He has been strong in the minors this year, posting a 2.74 ERA with 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings over 20 outings. Roberts has already appeared in nine games for the Cubs this season, pitching to a 5.40 ERA.

He is expected to slide into a low-leverage role for now. His sharp slider has helped him dominate in Iowa, and the Cubs hope that success carries over in this latest opportunity in the big leagues.

The Cubs' bullpen has quietly become one of the best in baseball, entering this week ranked third in ERA and consistently delivering in high-leverage situations. Even with injuries testing their depth, the group has remained sharp, limited damage, and protected late leads.

The latest injury creates a rare opening in a unit that has otherwise been rock solid. A fresh arm has been brought in to stabilize the group for now, though the front office may still consider outside reinforcements to ensure one of the team’s biggest strengths remains intact through the important second half.

What It Means Going Forward

Hodge’s trip to the IL is both a blow and a pause button. The Cubs will now monitor his rehab closely while leaning on internal options like Roberts to cover innings. If Roberts performs well, he could carve out a more defined role. If not, the bullpen shuffle will continue.

With Chicago still hanging on to first place in the division, there is no room for bullpen breakdowns. This roster move is as much about damage control as it is about getting Hodge right for the long haul.