The Chicago Cubs are assessing the impact of Shota Imanaga’s left hamstring strain and considering potential replacements for his position in the rotation. Among the notable candidates is highly regarded pitching prospect Cade Horton, although no final decision has been made yet. The Cubs have some time to deliberate, as Imanaga’s absence won’t create an immediate need for a replacement until Saturday at the earliest, and upcoming schedule breaks could delay that timeline further.
Currently, right-hander Chris Flexen, who has transitioned to a long relief role in the bullpen, is also being evaluated for a starting position. However, Horton’s potential excites the Cubs, particularly given his status as the seventh overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft.
Jed Hoyer, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations, praised Horton’s progress at Triple-A Iowa, noting that his performance has improved significantly in recent outings. “He’s been going six innings and throwing well, so he’s done his part in Triple A certainly,” Hoyer remarked, reflecting on Horton’s consistency and the importance of competitive pitching.
After facing a Grade 2 subscapularis strain in 2024 that limited his innings, Horton has rebounded this season, now at 29 innings through six starts. The Cubs emphasize the need for Horton to focus on delivering a steady stream of competitive pitches, as inconsistency can lead to difficult counts at the major league level, something he is capable of managing better in the minor leagues.
As the Cubs evaluate their options, they must weigh the benefits of allowing Horton to continue his development in Triple-A against the potential advantages of promoting him to face more challenging competition. Hoyer acknowledged the hesitation isn’t about Horton’s abilities, but rather about timing to ensure he is ready for the major leagues after an injury-limited performance last year.
In conclusion, while the Cubs are in a challenging situation with Imanaga’s injury, this could present an opportunity for young talents like Horton to step up, adding excitement for the fanbase about the future of the pitching rotation.