Cubs Bullpen Concerns: Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks to Open 2024 Season on IL
By Oddixa —
The Chicago Cubs face early-season pitching depth challenges as manager Craig Counsell confirms Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks will begin the year on the injured list.
Early Season Hurdles for the North Siders
As the Chicago Cubs prepare to kick off their first campaign under manager Craig Counsell, the team’s pitching depth is already being put to the test. Counsell confirmed this week that right-handed reliever Porter Hodge and versatile southpaw Jordan Wicks will both begin the 2024 season on the Injured List (IL).
Hodge is currently sidelined with a right flexor strain, an injury that often requires a cautious ramp-up period to avoid long-term elbow complications. Meanwhile, Wicks is dealing with nerve irritation, a frustrating setback for a young pitcher who was expected to play a significant role in the Cubs' pitching staff flexibility this year.
Impact on the Bullpen and Rotation Depth
For sports bettors, these injuries shift the landscape of the Cubs' early-season reliability. Jordan Wicks, in particular, was a fascinating piece for the Chicago staff. His ability to serve as either a back-end starter or a multi-inning relief weapon gave Counsell a "Swiss Army Knife" in high-leverage situations. Without him, the Cubs may have to rely more heavily on their core starters to go deep into games early in April.
Porter Hodge’s absence thins out the middle-relief options. While Hodge wasn't necessarily slated for the closer role, his absence forces other arms into higher-pressure situations sooner than anticipated. This creates a potential vulnerability in the 6th and 7th innings—a critical window for those betting on Live Totals or In-Play Moneylines.
Betting Perspective: The "Counsell Effect"
One of the primary reasons Chicago hired Craig Counsell was his reputation for masterfully managing a bullpen. During his tenure in Milwaukee, Counsell was known for squeezing elite production out of unheralded relievers. Bettors should keep a close eye on how he compensates for these missing arms.
- Over/Under Implications: If the Cubs' middle relief struggles to fill the void left by Hodge and Wicks, we could see an uptick in late-game scoring. This makes the "Over" on team totals an interesting look in the first two weeks of the season.
- Starter Props: Expect Counsell to be slightly more conservative with his starters' pitch counts early on, but if the bullpen is thin, he may be forced to leave veterans like Justin Steele in the game longer. This could provide value on "Overs" for Pitcher Strikeouts and Innings Pitched props.
Looking Ahead: Market Adjustments
While Hodge and Wicks aren't marquee names like Shota Imanaga or Justin Steele, their absence creates a ripple effect. The Cubs' NL Central odds currently sit in a tight race with the Cardinals and Reds. In a division where every game matters, a shaky bullpen in April can be the difference between a hot start and playing catch-up in June.
Oddixa recommends monitoring the Cubs' waiver wire moves and triple-A call-ups over the next week. The pitchers who fill these roster spots will determine if the Cubs' relief unit remains a strength or becomes a liability. For now, exercise caution when backing Chicago in games where the starting pitcher is unlikely to go past the fifth inning, as the bridge to the closer just got a little more precarious.