Cubs Lose Key Starter Cade Horton for Playoffs with Injury

The Chicago Cubs will be without rookie pitcher Cade Horton for at least the first round of the playoffs following his placement on the 15-day injured list due to a non-displaced right rib fracture. The injury is retroactive to September 25, 2023. In his absence, left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks has been called up to fill Horton’s roster spot for the final two games of the regular season.

Horton’s injury stems from back soreness that forced him to leave his last start early. A follow-up MRI revealed a ribcage issue, as confirmed by manager Craig Counsell during a press briefing. Although Horton showed signs of recovery by throwing in the outfield on Friday and was scheduled for a bullpen session on Saturday, those hopes have now been dampened by his injury status.

In the best-case scenario, Horton might return by Game 5 of the National League Division Series (NLDS), should the Cubs advance that far. Given the tight timeline, it seems unlikely he will be included on the NLDS roster. A more realistic outlook would see Horton potentially rejoining the team for the National League Championship Series (NLCS) if he can regain his health in time.

Chicago’s Playoff Hopes Complicated by Injury

The Cubs’ chances for a deep postseason run appear significantly challenged without Horton, who has emerged as a vital part of the rotation. Throughout his debut season, Horton has garnered attention for his impressive performance, posting a 2.67 ERA over his first 118 innings in Major League Baseball. Despite a 20.4% strikeout rate and a 4.26 SIERA which suggest some good fortune, his 6.9% walk rate remains commendable.

Drafted as the seventh overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Horton has seen marked improvement in his performance as the season progressed. After an initial 4.45 ERA across his first 56.2 innings, he managed a remarkable 1.03 ERA in his final 12 starts, solidifying his role in the Cubs’ postseason plans.

Despite Horton’s absence, the Cubs have enough starting pitching depth to navigate the playoff landscape. Pitchers Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and either Colin Rea or Jameson Taillon are set to lead the rotation during the best-of-three Wild Card Series. Additionally, Javier Assad is expected to be utilized as a multi-inning reliever.

Counsell has indicated a willingness to employ his entire pitching staff creatively throughout the playoffs, potentially blurring the lines between traditional starter and reliever roles.

With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Cubs hold a two-game lead over the San Diego Padres for the top National League wild-card spot. Unless the Cubs lose both games and the Padres win their remaining contests, the Wild Card Series will take place in Chicago, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday.