Especially because none of those guys are subject to waivers. They could have cut them and brought them back to start while sending Hodgins to the PS until one of our starters inevitably misses some time. Wouldn't have cost them anything to keep Hodgins. Same for Blackshear for that matter.
The only reason I can see to cut them is to give them a chance to sign somewhere else, but I'm sorry-- this is a business and we will regret not having some quality players to call up if any injuries happen.