Cubs forgotten man might be forcing his way back with dominant stretch in minors

The last time Chicago Cubs fans saw Porter Hodge on a Major League mound, it wasn't pretty. Hodge, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury throughout the season, was tagged for 6 runs on 7 hits in less than an inning of work against the Minnesota Twins in July. It was an ugly performance and one that was accentuated by Hodge giving up three home runs.

Hodge entered the 2025 season with many feeling he should have been the team's closer instead of Ryan Pressly, and after Pressly faltered, Hodge appeared to be the answer before injuries derailed his season.

When the Cubs initially reinstated Hodge from the IL at the end of June, there was some question as to whether he was fully ready to return. Hodge was healthy, but had an inconsistent string of performances during his minor-league rehab assignment. The outing against the Twins all but confirmed something wasn't right.

Hodge has since returned to the mound with the Iowa Cubs and seems to be ready for a return to the Major League level.

Cubs pitcher left behind is making noise with dominant stretch

If the Cubs can get the version of Hodge back that posted a 1.88 ERA in 39 appearances in 2024, that would be a tremendous boost to their bullpen between now and the end of the season.

As the Cubs think about potential options for their bullpen in the postseason, it would seem that Ryan Brasier's role may be in question. Brasier is currently on the 15-day IL with a left groin strain, and even if he does get healthy, he has become a liability in the bullpen over the last month.

In Brasier's immediate absence, the Cubs have been rotating the roster spot between Javier Assad and name any fresh arm on the Iowa Cubs who is also on the 40-man roster. As the Cubs continue to look for ways to keep the bullpen fresh, it would be a fair expectation to see Hodge back in the majors relatively soon.

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