Cubs: Jordan Wicks Activated, Porter Hodge Optioned to Triple-A

The Chicago Cubs are looking to bounce back on Friday following a gnarly loss on Thursday. However, the Cubs are the healthiest they've been in a long time as a key arm returns from the injured list. Per the team , LHP Jordan Wicks has been activated from the 15-day IL. To make room on the roster, RHP Porter Hodge returns to Triple-A Iowa.

Wicks hit the IL at the end of April after he was scratched from his start against the Boston Red Sox. Wicks has been nursing a forearm injury, and the Cubs took their time with him. He most recently made his third rehab start for the Iowa Cubs before his activation.

Wicks owns a 4.70 ERA on the season in five starts. His strikeout numbers are in a good spot, with 28 in 23.0 innings of work. However, he has struggled with allowing free base runners in a couple of starts, but has only issued nine walks total on the year.

The real question for Wicks is where will he pitch? Is he going to return to the starting rotation and bump either Javier Assad or Ben Brown back to the bullpen, or will he join the bullpen as a lefty option for manager Craig Counsell?

Chances are, Brown would head back to the pen. However, the young righty is still scheduled to throw on Saturday against the Reds. Perhaps due to such a delicate injury when it comes to the forearm, Wicks can be eased back into lengthier work by pitching out of the bullpen to start.

The Cubs and Reds will kick off game two against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CDT with Justin Steele on the mound.

Subscribe to On Tap Sports Net on YouTube , and the Cubs On Tap podcast and Dingers: A Chicago Cubs Podcast for more Chicago Cubs content, updates, and hot takes!