Chicago Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy explains Porter Hodge’s command struggles
Chicago Cubs pitcher Porter Hodge is one player with plenty of upside, but injuries along with inconsistent command have created trouble for the right-hander. After having a strong rookie season in 2024, highlighted by a 1.88 ERA and nine saves over 43 innings pitched, Hodge struggled in his sophomore campaign, to the tune of a 6.27 ERA over 33 innings pitched, where walks were a major issue.
This off-season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reported that Hodge focused extensively on his delivery. The goal being to get his pitches in the strike zone with more frequency. Unfortunately, when in game action, he has not seen improvement in that category. This spring, he has struggled. Through two innings of work and three outings as, he has issued seven walks, with free passes coming in each contest.
Recently, Bastian shared some comments from Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy explaining what he is seeing.
Chicago Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy explains Porter Hodge’s command struggles
According to Hottovy, Hodge has made strides in his delivery. They have seen it first hand when not in live game action, but he reportedly is going back to bad mechanical habits once the competition rises.
This offseason, I thought he did a great job of just getting back to a clean, athletic delivery and just ripping his fastball over the plate and let the slider work off that. We saw it in the live BPs. He had a 75-80% strike rate. And then the game happens and you kind of get back in those bad habits. So, for Porter, to me, I love the work he puts in and our guys work their tails off. When they’re on the mound, you’ve got to go out there and trust that it’s going to be there.”
-Tommy Hottovy
Ultimately, the comments from Hottovy suggest that the issues facing Hodge may be more about consistency than a lack of ability. The improvements in his delivery and strike-throwing during offseason work and live batting practice are encouraging signs that the foundation is there. Now, the next step is simply carrying those mechanics and that confidence into game situations.
If Hodge can trust his delivery and avoid falling back into old habits when the pressure rises, the raw stuff that has made him intriguing could quickly translate into more consistent results on the mound. The Cubs are likely going to call upon him to get outs at some point this year, so hopefully he can get his delivery sorted out beforehand.
The post Chicago Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy explains Porter Hodge’s command struggles appeared first on ChiCitySports.
Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-pitching-coach-tommy-hottovy-explains-porter-hodges-command-struggles/
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