Porter

Hodge

Hodge was summoned in the top of the ninth to close out the game with a comfortable three-run lead. He induced two groundouts and a strikeout in a clean frame to lock down ninth save of the season.

In spite of Hodge’s success, the Cubs will likely be in the market for a closer this winter. Still, the 23-year-old looks like he might prove to be a long-term option in that spot. He has a 1.93 ERA and a 51/19 K/BB in 42 innings.

He struck out two in a quick nine-pitch inning. Hodge did also throw 20 pitches on Thursday, so he figures to be unavailable Saturday. Jorge López might get a save chance then.

Hodge did allow a hit and a walk, but he was able to work around those runners to protect a one-run lead. The right-hander has now locked down six saves since taking over the closer role, and it sure seems likely that he’s earned that role to begin the 2025 season.

Hodge entered the bottom of the ninth inning with a two-run lead. After striking out the first two batters he faced, he walked Hunter Goodman and gave up a two-run home run to Sam Hilliard. It’s his first blown save since August 3rd. Hodge still has an excellent 2.08 ERA in 39 innings this year and is likely to continue to get save opportunities down the stretch for Chicago.

Hodge was checked on by the trainer after taking a knee on the mound during the inning, and manager Craig Counsell said after the game it was because his heart was racing, something that apparently has happened before and that doctors know about. Hodge was fine after a couple of minutes. He nearly gave up a two-run homer to Max Muncy in the three-run game, but Pete Crow-Armstrong made a terrific jumping catch at the wall to end it.

Hodge did issue a walk, but he was able to work around the two-out free pass and pick up the save. The 23-year-old is up to four saves with a 1.70 ERA, and seems very likely to get the overwhelming save chances for the foreseeable future.

López came into this one having allowed just two runs in 23 2/3 innings since signing with the Cubs. Still, Porter Hodge, who likely would have pitched the ninth if the lead had been maintained tonight, was already looking like the better bet in the Cubs pen, and this should make it official. López can likely be dropped in mixed leagues.

Hodge was summoned in the ninth inning to close out the game with a two-run lead. He gave up a base hit and walked a batter, bringing the winning run to the plate with one out. He settled in to strike out the final two batters to end the game with his third save. Jorge López had tossed a scoreless eighth in his return from a groin injury that sidelined him the last week. The two are likely to alternate save chances.

The Cubs might have gone to Jorge López in a save situation, but since they scored six runs in the ninth to make it a 14-10 game, Hodge remained in, even though he threw five pitches in a brief outing Tuesday. Hodge and López both seem worth rostering in deeper mixed leagues right now.