The Chicago Cubs have been riding momentum into the final weekend of the regular season. Still, an untimely health scare involving rookie starter Cade Horton has thrown a cloud over their postseason outlook. With a Wild Card showdown against the San Diego Padres set for next week, the Cubs are weighing optimism against caution as they await clarity on their young ace’s status.
Horton’s Health Under the Microscope
Horton left Tuesday’s start against the Mets after just three innings. He reported back tightness that manager Craig Counsell later linked to an illness. The 24-year-old had been battling a persistent cough, which created discomfort in his back and ribs when he took deep breaths. An MRI exam revealed “areas of concern” in that region, according to Counsell, prompting the team to seek a second opinion before locking in their postseason rotation.
For now, Horton remains confident. “He’s adamant he can pitch,” Counsell told reporters. “Right now, Cade is a go. But we want to make sure we’ve got all the information before he gets back out there.” The current plan is for Horton to resume throwing on Friday after a brief shutdown, giving him six or seven days of rest heading into the Wild Card Series.
The Cubs’ manager emphasized that the organization will take a patient approach, balancing Horton’s determination with medical advice. “The reason we want as much information as possible is to make sure it’s safe for Cade to pitch,” Counsell said. “We’ll let Cade tell us how he feels, consult the doctors, and make the best decision we can.”
Rotation Plans in Flux as Postseason Nears
Horton has been a breakout star, posting an 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA in 23 appearances. Since July, he has pitched like a frontline ace, logging a 1.36 ERA across 14 outings and leading all MLB pitchers with a 1.03 ERA in the second half. His performance at Wrigley Field has been even more dominant, with a 1.63 ERA in 11 starts at home—a number that makes him the obvious Game 1 candidate if healthy.
However, the Cubs recognize that they need contingency plans in place. Left-handers Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd could slot into the first two games if Horton is unavailable. At the same time, veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon may also factor in, depending on how the rotation lines up this weekend against the Cardinals. “We definitely have plans,” Counsell said. “We’ve got multiple ones, and the final four games of the regular season could affect how things shake out.”
The stakes could not be higher. Chicago entered Thursday with a magic number of two to clinch home-field advantage in the Wild Card round. Locking that up would be pivotal, given Horton’s dominance at Wrigley. Even so, the Cubs are aware that pushing him too quickly could jeopardize both his health and their playoff hopes.
Counsell has yet to reveal his postseason rotation, and understandably so. The Cubs’ playoff roster meetings this week have centered on “multiple plans,” depending on Horton’s availability. The team remains upbeat, but the next few days will determine whether their rookie ace takes the mound when the lights shine brightest.
In a season defined by resilience, the Cubs now face one more test before the end of October. Horton’s determination to pitch is precise, but the final call will rest with the doctors and the coaching staff. As Counsell put it, “It’s a big spot for everybody.”
For Cubs fans, the hope is simple: that Horton’s breakthrough season doesn’t end on the trainer’s table, but rather on the pitcher’s mound with the postseason on the line.
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