Cubs lose rookie RHP Cade Horton to rib injury

Field Level Media|published: Sat 27th September, 14:17 2025

Sep 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton (22) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs placed rookie right-hander Cade Horton on the 15-day injured list on Saturday with a fractured right rib.

The timing is terrible for the playoff-bound Cubs, with Horton's earliest potential return coming during the National League Championship Series -- should they advance that far.

Horton, 24, vaulted into the NL Rookie of the Year picture in the second half of the season, going 8-1 with a 1.03 ERA in 12 starts since the All-Star break.

He finishes the regular season with an 11-4 record and a 2.67 ERA in 23 games (22 starts). He struck out 97 batters and walked 33 in 118 innings.

The 2022 first-round draft pick (seventh overall) made his major league debut on May 10. Horton left his most recent start Tuesday against the New York Mets after three innings due to back tightness.

The Cubs recalled left-hander Jordan Wicks (0-1, 7.94 ERA) in a corresponding move ahead of Saturday's home date with the St. Louis Cardinals.

--Field Level Media