Cubs 25-year-old reliever to miss the year after 'arm surgery'

The Chicago Cubs will be without one of their better relievers, as right-hander Porter Hodge will miss the rest of the season. According to The Athletic’s Paul Mooney, Hodge underwent major right elbow surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) with an internal brace. He will take 12 to 14 months to recover. 

Hodge has not appeared in a game all season for the Cubs and made three appearances in spring training (31.50 ERA). The 25-year-old is coming off a rough season in 2025, having a 6.27 ERA in 36 appearances. 

More News: Angels received a positive health update on Grayson Rodriguez

The Chicago Cubs' bullpen has been doing well in Porter Hodge’s absence 

The Cubs have one of the better bullpens in baseball, as they rank ninth in reliever ERA (3.51) and eighth in WHIP (1.24). In Hodge’s absence, the Cubs have received solid performances from right-hander Ben Brown (2.70 ERA) and left-handers Holby Milner (1.69) and Riley Martin (0.00) 

With Hodge missing the rest of the season, the Cubs might be in play for a high-end reliever at the trade deadline to further deepen the bullpen. Especially with right-hander Daniel Palencia landing on the injured list with left oblique strain, the bullpen will be tested. 

More News: 

• Athletics Nick Kurtz's walking ability has him up with all-time greats
• Royals Bobby Witt Jr. addresses fans' boos
• Report: Dodgers place 3-time All-Star on the IL