Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs - News - April 20, 2026

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José Alvarado - Exits with back spasms Alvarado was removed from Tuesday's game against the Cubs with mid-back spasms, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

Impact Alvarado gave up one earned run on two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning before his back forced him to come out of the game. It's unknown if he will have to spend time on the IL, though the Phillies could sit him down for a few days as a precaution, regardless of the severity of his injury.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Nico Hoerner - Tees off again Tuesday Hoerner went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Phillies.

Impact Hoerner continued his surprising power surge, as he now has four home runs this season through 23 contests, including three in his last six games. The 28-year-old had only seven long balls in each of the last two seasons, and he came into this year with just 36 career long balls across seven MLB campaigns. Hoerner is known mostly for his speed, but his power has been a pleasant bonus, and he's batting a scintillating .326 in the early going. The infielder's strong start has locked him into the leadoff spot for the Cubs, and he's delivering tremendous fantasy value.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Seiya Suzuki - Hits first 2026 home run Suzuki went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Phillies.

Impact After a routine day off Monday following seven straight starts, Suzuki returned to the lineup Tuesday and launched his first home run of the season. The outfielder has only played in 11 games so far due to a knee issue that kept him on the injured list to begin the year, but he seems to be rounding into form. Suzuki blasted 32 home runs during the 2025 regular season and posted an .804 OPS, and he should continue to trend upward as he settles in at the plate.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Porter Hodge - Opts for internal brace surgery Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed Tuesday that Hodge (elbow) underwent UCL reconstruction surgery with an internal brace, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Impact Though Hodge didn't require a traditional Tommy John surgery to address the right elbow flexor strain he sustained in spring training, Counsell estimated that the 25-year-old will face an expected recovery timeline of 12-to-14 months. With that in mind, Hodge would seem likely to open the 2027 season on the Cubs' injured list, if Chicago elects to tender him a contract over the winter. Hodge showed plenty of promise in his 2024 rookie campaign with a 1.88 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 43 innings, but he fell off badly in 2025 (6.27 ERA, 1.58 WHIP in 33 frames) and finished the season in the minors before going down with the elbow injury in the spring.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs - News: Apr 20, 2026

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Cubs' Matthew Boyd to return Wednesday vs. Phillies and closer Daniel Palencia is progressing