Beyond being the National League Rookie of the Year favorite and a potential franchise pillar, Cade Horton was considered a huge part of the Chicago Cubs' 2025 playoff plans. That no longer appears to be the case. The right-handed starting pitcher has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a non-displaced rib fracture, per MLB insider Jon Heyman.
Considering how impressive Horton has been this season, and how much Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have struggled in September, there was a realistic possibility the 24-year-old would start Game 1 of the National League Wild card Series versus the San Diego Padres. Worst-case scenario, this rising talent would take the mound later in the best-of-three showdown. Both scenarios are now off the table.
This devastating news comes after Horton did not respond well to his throwing session. He exited Tuesday's game against the New York Mets with back tightness after pitching just three innings. Upon further examination, manager Craig Counsell revealed there were some concerns about the young hurler's rib area. The Cubs clinched a playoff berth over a week ago, but it looks as if they will be limping into October.
If Horton is unable to pitch again in 2025, or if Chicago is eliminated before he has the chance, he will still have given fans much to be excited about moving forward. The former top-10 draft pick posted an 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA, 97 strikeouts and 1.085 WHIP in 22 starts this season. He showed poise well beyond his years, serving as a stabilizing force while the Cubbies lumbered through some tough stretches. Now, this ballclub must lean on its veterans.
Will Cubs overcome all the adversity in their way?
Luckily, Kyle Tucker just returned from an IL stint. The star outfielder and the rest of the lineup must reclaim their first-half form and find a way to lift the pitching staff during a highly anticipated Wild Card matchup. There is no time to lament the Cade Horton injury. It is more important than ever for the Cubs (90-70) to clinch the No. 4 seed in the NL and secure home-field advantage versus the Padres (88-72).
Otherwise, a bad weekend could spill into the new week and end the season on a sour note.
