Cade Horton’s Injury May Be Worse Than Initially Indicated
It feels like I’ve started countless articles off with a similar saying, and I’m about to do it again. The injury bug has yet again found its way into the Cubs clubhouse. This time, it’s borderline worst-case scenario as starting pitcher Cade Horton was removed from his most recent start after just three innings and 29 pitches with what the club said was low back tightness.
Craig Counsell said after the game that Horton had been coughing for a while, which might have caused his back to tighten up. Horton said more of the same and added that he was having some minor breathing issues, but said he’d have stayed in the game if the stakes were higher. Counsell told reporters on Wednesday night that the team would be reviewing results of a precautionary MRI on Horton’s back and ribcage with doctors, which seemed ominous.
Should fans be worried? In short, yes. Jesse Rogers first reported the possible unfortunate results on Thursday morning, and sources have confirmed with CI that the news will likely not be good. Just the fact that the team is having to have further discussions with medical professionals rather than just announcing clean imaging is telling. There is a very real chance that the Cubs will be without their rookie ace for at least part of the postseason.
It’s hard to put into words how valuable Horton has been for the Cubs this season. He’s the favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year, and his stats back that up in every way possible. Since the All-Star break, Horton is 8-1 with a 1.03 ERA in 61.1 innings over 12 starts.
He only has two starts of less than five innings in that span, both of which were cut short by health issues (he had a blister against the Brewers on August 18). Everything else has been pure dominance. His five-inning outing with two runs allowed in Colorado, the toughest pitchers’ park in baseball, has been the worst start he’s had.
Cade Horton, 95mph ⛽️
6th K thru 5…and 🤫 pic.twitter.com/otYSxNWm4I
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 4, 2025
Until an official diagnosis and timeline are announced, all anyone can do is wish and pray Horton can come back much sooner than the initial word says will be possible. Otherwise, the Cubs need to have someone else step up as their ace in October.
Update: Counsell told reporters that Horton is still on track and will throw tomorrow, but that the team is seeking more input from another doctor before determining a timeline. As optimistic as that sounds at the start, getting a second or third opinion does not typically signal good things. The manager also noted that the MRI showed “areas of concern” in his ribs and that the club will continue to gather more information in the coming days.
Update 2: A second opinion confirmed the rib injury that showed up in the MRI, but the Cubs have said they’re comfortable keeping Horton on pace to make his next start. He threw in the outfield prior to Friday’s game and will do so a couple more times before ramping up to a bullpen session. That’s when they should find out whether he’ll be able to pitch through the issue.
Update 3: Hate to say we told you so, but Horton has been placed on the 15-day IL with a fractured rib. While he could theoretically be back for Game 5 of the NLDS should the Cubs get that far, this likely ends his season.
