Cubs rookie RHP Cade Horton (back) undergoes MRI exam

Chicago Cubs rookie right-hander Cade Horton underwent an MRI exam on his back Wednesday, manager Craig Counsell told Chicago's 670 The Score.

Horton left his Tuesday start against the New York Mets after three innings due to back tightness.

Counsell said that having the MRI done would help provide clarity.

"We decided to do further testing with Cade, an MRI, to just see what we're dealing with," Counsell told the station. "We're optimistic. We want to know what we're dealing with or if we're dealing with anything."

Horton won't pitch again during the regular season but is expected to be one of the team's starting pitchers in next week's National League wild-card series.

Counsell reiterated that the club doesn't expect the injury to be serious.

"To protect Cade as much as anything, let's make sure we know what's going on here," Counsell said.

Counsell said Horton would have stayed in Tuesday's game if it had been a playoff game. He gave up one run and two hits over three innings before exiting.

Horton, 24, is 11-4 with 2.67 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts). He has struck out 97 in 118 innings and is one of the top NL Rookie of the Year candidates.

Horton was a first-round pick (seventh overall) in the 2022 draft.

--Field Level Media