Cubs continue to evaluate pitcher Cade Horton's back injury, leaving his
playoff status in question
[September 26, 2025] By
ANDREW SELIGMAN
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs were still evaluating
the extent of starter Cade Horton's back injury on Thursday, leaving the
National League Rookie of the Year candidate's status for the wild-card
playoff series in question.
Manager Craig Counsell said “Cade is on track still,” though an MRI on
Wednesday showed “some areas of concern” in the ribs. |
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton (22) throws against the New
York Mets during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 23,
2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) |
|
“Right now, Cade is a go,” he said.
Counsell said another physician will look at the imaging. Horton
is scheduled to resume throwing on Friday after being off the
past two days.
“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 and get the best decision we can
make,” he said.
Counsell said Horton is “adament he can pitch” and the Cubs want
to "make sure it’s safe for Cade to go out there
Chicago's magic number for clinching the top wild-card spot and
homefield advantage in the first round was at two over San Diego
entering Thursday's game against the playoff-contending New York
Mets. The Cubs were 89-69 and 2 1/2 games ahead of the Padres,
who had a day off. The two teams will meet in the opening round,
with Game 1 on Tuesday.
Horton is 11-4 in 22 starts and 23 appearances. The 24-year-old
right-hander has a 2.67 ERA that ranks second among qualified
rookies.
Horton left Tuesday's start against New York after three innings
due to back tightness. The Cubs went on to lose 9-7. He was sick
following his previous start and had been coughing, which led to
the issues in the back and ribs.
Counsell said the Cubs won't announce their rotation until next
week.
“We're at this phase where we're starting to put plans into
place,” he said. “We have multiple ones. We've got four baseball
games left, which affects things.”
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
|
