Cubs closer Porter Hodge has heart scare but gets save - ESPN
Chicago Cubs closer Porter Hodge got the save in last night's 6-3 over the Dodgers but not without some drama, some of which was concerning.
With two outs in the ninth and Max Muncy at the plate, Hodge stepped off the rubber and walked around the mound. Catcher Miguel Amaya, manager Craig Counsell, the athletic trainer and teammates met him.
Hodge, a 23-year-old right-hander who has five saves since taking over closing duties late in the season, appeared to rub his chest. He then went down to one knee with the trainer talking to him.
As it turns out, Hodge was dealing with a racing heart — an issue that Counsell says has happened before. After some minutes, Hodge proclaimed himself OK and continued to pitch.
He ended up getting Muncy to hit a flyball that almost left the park for a two-run homer, but center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong leapt and took the ball back — ending the game.
Afterward, Counsell said the team is considering further testing on Hodge, who has been cleared to pitch after experiencing the elevated heart rate in the past.