Roster shuffle gives the Cubs and Craig Counsell a new arm in the bullpen

On the heels of Sunday's Carlos Santana news, the Chicago Cubs made another roster move, swapping left-hander Jordan Wicks for right-hander Porter Hodge, who has been on a heater at Triple-A Iowa this month.

In nine August appearances spanning a dozen innings, Hodge did not allow a single run, punching out 20 and walking nine. It marked his first effective, let alone dominant, month with Iowa this year, and the Cubs seem to be hoping it came at the perfect time, with the final month of the regular season on deck.

Last year as a rookie, Hodge was lights-out for the Cubs, working to a 1.88 ERA in 39 appearances. Inconsistent control has always been a problem for the 24-year-old, but you just have to hope the swing-and-miss is enough to help him overcome the walk issues. This year with the MLB club, he's been completely ineffective: 26 appearances, 6.85 ERA, 1.563 WHIP and 2.3 HR/9.

Meanwhile, Wicks made two appearances with Chicago during this go-round with the big-league club. He allowed one run in two frames, and he's near the top of my list of interesting offseason questions facing this team. A former first-round pick, he's yet to contribute regularly or make the most of the opportunities he's gotten. Still, the Cubs have some rotation questions moving forward, especially past 2026, so he's a name to watch this winter.

Cubs' bullpen has been strong, but could get even better in September

The Cubs' bullpen has been especially strong down the stretch, with Brad Keller leading the charge and continuing to hang zeroes every time he sets foot on the mound. Closer Daniel Palencia has had some bumpy appearances, but his overall numbers remain solid and you can't overlook the contributions of Drew Pomeranz (1.93 ERA in August) and Caleb Thielbar (2.84 ERA in August), either.

If Hodge can return to form and pitch at the same level he did last year, the Cubs' bullpen could take things to another level heading into the postseason. The left-handed depth has been strong, but adding another righty relief weapon alongside Keller and ahead of Palencia would have everyone feeling good ahead of October.