The Chicago Cubs couldn’t seal the deal in Monday night’s series opener in Miami after taking a one-run lead into the ninth frame. The back and forth tilt against the Marlins ended with a two-out walk off double from Jesus Sanchez off Daniel Palencia, who got the nod to try and close out the ball game. The flamethrower ended up tossing in the ninth because of Porter Hodge dealing with an oblique injury that is set to land him on the IL.
Chicago’s bullpen has been in flux all season after it was the weakest aspect of their team a season ago. Ryan Pressly began the campaign as the club’s closer, but veteran’s shaky beginning to the year in that role gave way for Hodge to take over ninth inning duties. While the front office will need to address the stable near the trade deadline with at least two arms, they will need to figure out how to piece things together in the meantime.
With Hodge set to hit the IL, the organization will need to call up an arm from Triple-A. Gavin Hollowell has already been promoted twice from the Iowa Cubs this season, but management could look to give an opportunity to a left-hander who has pitched well in Triple-A this season.
Chicago Cubs could call up Luke Little from Triple-A
MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Chicago Cubs Jul 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Luke Little (43) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Luke Little has pitched in 10 games with the I-Cubs this season and has been fantastic for them. The southpaw has a 1.17 ERA in 15.1 innings pitched out of their bullpen and has an eye-popping 0.58 WHIP as well. Little was a fourth-round pick of Chicago in the shortened 2020 draft out of San Jacinto JC. The now 24-year-old went viral before that draft for throwing 105 mph off the mound, and the Cubs were the team to take a chance on his upside.
Little has pitched in one game at the the big league level this season, which came against San Diego on the road on April 16. He tossed 0.2 frames, walked four batters and allowed an earned run. Little didn’t show much promise in that contest, which led to him being immediately sent back down to Iowa.
Luke Little has been inconsistent at the big league level in his career
MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres Apr 16, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Luke Little reacts after walking in a run during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Little’s season numbers in 2024 were pretty solid overall, but he still struggled to find the strike zone on occasion. He finished the campaign with a 3.46 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP in 26.0 innings pitched after making his big league debt in 2023. Little pitched in 30 games last year and had a 1-3 record to show for it.
One thing that might prevent the front office from calling up Little to fill Hodge’s roster spot is that they have two lefties on the roster already. Caleb Thielbar and Drew Pomeranz have been excellent so far this season, filling a need in the bullpen that Chicago has had for multiple years.
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Boston Red Sox Apr 27, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Luke Little (43) is greeted in the dugout after pitching out of a jam during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
