Jordan Wicks, Porter Hodge to Open Season on IL

It’s a good thing the Cubs built up their pitching depth over the winter, because they’ll be without two expected contributors for at least the first couple weeks of the season. Craig Counsell announced on Sunday that Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks will be placed on the IL due to arm issues.

Wicks is dealing with left forearm inflammation due to radial nerve irritation and won’t get off the mound again until mid to late May. He had spent some time at Tread this offseason improving his curveball and other offerings to push past the Quad-A label some are hanging on him, so this is concerning. Hodge felt funny after his last outing and was diagnosed with a right flexor strain, so he’s being shut down from throwing for two weeks or so. Neither is a huge blow right away, but both should factor in the staff as the season wears on.

Elsewhere in injury updates, surging prospect Jonathon Long pulled out of his opportunity to represent Chinese Taipei in the WBC after suffering a bruised left elbow in a spring game. He’s improving, but will still be out for another week before he gets back into Cactus League action.