The Chicago Cubs' rotation has taken a significant hit as Cade Horton was officially placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right forearm strain. The promising young right-hander will return to Chicago for additional testing and imaging to determine the full extent of the injury that forced him from Friday's game against the Cleveland Guardians after just one inning of work.
Early Exit Raises Immediate Concerns
Horton threw just 17 pitches on Friday before leaving his start against the Cleveland Guardians with forearm discomfort. He made quick work in the first inning before leaving the contest with no outs in the second. After walking Kyle Manzardo to lead off the second inning, Horton threw an 82 mph curveball for a ball and then fired a fastball for a strike at the bottom of the zone. Immediately after that pitch, Horton looked over to the Cubs' dugout and appeared to be in some discomfort.
Manager Craig Counsell said Horton would be placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday. The Cubs manager didn't hide his concern about the situation. "You take a pitcher out of the game in the second inning, you're concerned. He'll probably get imaging, and that's concerning as well," Counsell told reporters.
Horton's Account of the Injury
Following the game, Horton provided some insight into what he experienced on the mound. Horton said that he felt tightness in his right (throwing) wrist that shifted up into his forearm. Horton will return to Chicago and undergo tests Sunday or early next week.
Major Blow to Cubs' Rotation Plans
The injury represents a potentially significant setback for Chicago's playoff aspirations. Horton is one of Chicago's most important players as a starter with frontline potential. The second-year major leaguer finished second in Rookie of the Year voting last year.
He threw 118 innings with a 2.84 ERA last season and was very good in his 2026 debut last week, holding the Washington Nationals to two runs in 6 ⅓ innings. Horton opened this season as the Cubs' No. 2 starter behind veteran lefty Matthew Boyd.
Injury History Adds to Concerns
The forearm issue is particularly concerning given Horton's medical history. Horton, 24, was the No. 7 pick in the 2022 draft. He had Tommy John surgery as a freshman at Oklahoma in February 2021. Even minor forearm or elbow problems can require weeks to heal, and the Cubs will, of course, be cautious with their prized right-hander.
Cubs' Rotation Options Moving Forward
With Horton sidelined for at least 15 days, the Cubs will need to adjust their rotation plans. Colin Rea replaced Horton on Friday and threw 57 pitches across 3 ⅓ innings. A year ago, the 35-year-old Rea ended second on the team in total innings (159 1/3) with a 3.95 ERA overall. He then spun a 1.17 ERA in three playoff games for the North Siders.
Chicago also has righty Javier Assad -- part of the rotation over the past few seasons -- at Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs have good rotation depth, though few starters that have a chance to dominate like Horton.
The Cubs and their fans now await the results of further testing to determine how long Horton will be sidelined and whether the injury could require more extensive treatment. The team's rotation depth will be tested early in the 2026 season as they look to build on last year's playoff appearance.
Sources & Original Reporting
