"Hodge has a right flexor strain, while Wicks is dealing with radial nerve irritation in his left forearm. Hodge hasn't pitched since February 27, and he hasn't looked right in any of his three Cactus League outings this spring, with a whopping 31.50 ERA to show for two innings of work. Counsell said Hodge's flexor strain doesn't appear to be serious in terms of a long-term absence, though the righty will be shut down for the next two weeks to heal up."
"Wicks' forearm issue was initially described just as irritation, with an MRI revealing no structural problems. Nerve problems can tend to linger, though the good news is that Wicks has been able to play catch, and Counsell is hopeful the southpaw will start throwing off a mound by the middle of March."
"Despite his draft pedigree and some top-100 prospect attention during his time in the minors, Wicks has yet to establish himself as a big leaguer, with a modest 5.21 ERA, 18.5% strikeout rate, and 7.5% walk rate to show for 95 career innings with the Cubs. Past injuries haven't helped (Wicks missed a big chunk of 2024 due to a forearm strain and an oblique strain)."
Right-hander Porter Hodge and left-hander Jordan Wicks are both dealing with arm injuries that will sideline them to start the season. Hodge has a right flexor strain that doesn't appear serious long-term but requires two weeks of rest. Wicks is managing radial nerve irritation in his left forearm with no structural damage detected on MRI, though nerve issues can linger. Hodge hasn't pitched since late February and struggled in spring training with a 31.50 ERA. Wicks has been able to play catch and may throw off a mound by mid-March. Both injuries impact the Cubs' rotation and bullpen depth, though neither was guaranteed a roster spot. Wicks, a 2021 first-round pick, has struggled to establish himself in the majors with a 5.21 ERA across 95 innings.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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