In first place in the NL Central, the Cubs have been firing on all cylinders this season. However, one area that’s been a soft spot thus far has been their bullpen. And unfortunately for the Cubs, one of their more relied-upon relievers will be out for the near future.
Hodge placed on IL
The Cubs have not had firm footing in the late innings of late, and that might continue over the coming weeks. Porter Hodge, one of Chicago’s leaned-upon late-inning arms, was placed on the injured list on May 20, retroactive to May 18.
Hodge is dealing with an oblique strain.
Chicago’s been mixing and matching in terms of save opportunities since Ryan Pressly collapsed in early May against the Giants. Hodge posted scoreless outings in all but one in May before heading to the IL.
Pirates make roster moves
The Pirates made several IL moves on May 20.
One was to move Nick Gonzales to the 60-day IL. Gonzales hasn’t played since Opening Day, as he suffered a non-displaced ankle fracture.
The second was to move Colin Holderman to the 15-day IL with right thumb inflammation. Holderman’s been bitten with command problems this season, as the right-hander walked 11 over his first 15 innings this season.
Pittsburgh selected the contract of right-hander Isaac Mattson to replace Holderman.
Rehab assignments
Ronald Acuna Jr. went 1-2 for Gwinnett (AAA) on May 20. The game only lasted four and a half innings because of rain but Acuna Jr. did play in its entirety. However, he was the DH for the Stripers.
Also in Triple-A, Andrew Benintendi was the DH for Charlotte (AA) on May 20. Benintendi went 0-4 with a strikeout.
Guardians utilityman David Fry DH’d for Akron (AA) on the 20th. Fry, added to the Akron roster on the 19th, went 1-3 with an RBI.
Padres pitcher Matt Waldron went two innings for San Antonio (AA). Waldron struck out two but gave up three hits and walked two. Bryan Hoeing tossed a scoreless in that game for the Missions as part of his rehab assignment.
Other injury news
Guardians prospect Travis Bazzana, with Double-A Akron, will miss the next eight to 10 weeks with an oblique strain. Bazzana, the top pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, posted a .795 OPS over his first 33 games of the season.
Reds pitcher Hunter Greene, currently on the IL with a groin strain, is scheduled to return on May 23 against the Cubs.
Ian Happ (Cubs) and Jake Rogers (Tigers) were activated from the 10-day IL.
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