The Chicago Cubs are currently assessing the severity of starter Cade Horton’s back injury, which leaves his participation in the upcoming wild-card playoff series uncertain. Horton’s condition is particularly concerning given his status as a National League Rookie of the Year contender. Manager Craig Counsell remains optimistic, stating that Horton is still “on track” despite an MRI revealing some troubling signs in his ribs.
According to Counsell, Horton is eager to pitch and is scheduled to resume throwing on Friday after a brief period of rest. The team plans to consult with another physician to evaluate the imaging results and gather further recommendations. Counsell emphasized the importance of monitoring Horton’s condition closely, saying, “We want to make sure we use this time to let Cade tell us how he feels, let Cade show us how he feels, consult our doctors and let them make recommendations.”
As the Cubs prepare for the first game of the National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres next Tuesday, Horton’s potential availability could be pivotal. His record of 11-4 over 22 starts and 23 appearances, along with a 2.67 ERA, underscores his value to the team. Horton had exited his recent start against the Mets due to back tightness, which appeared to stem from illness and persistent coughing.
While the Cubs are holding off on announcing their postseason rotation until next week, they are actively developing multiple plans to address various scenarios in the final stages of the regular season. The team’s magic number for securing the top wild-card spot, which would ensure home-field advantage, stands at two over the Padres as they face the New York Mets in crucial match-ups.
In this critical juncture of the season, the Cubs aim to balance their strategic planning and adaptability in light of possible challenges posed by player injuries, with Horton’s recovery being a top priority. This approach will ensure that they make the most informed decisions moving into the playoffs.