MLB: Spring Training San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs MLB: Spring Training San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs Mar 21, 2025; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Cubs pitcher Brad Keller throws against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs accused of punting on Mets’ series after Brad Keller-Cade Horton decision

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 10, 2025 11:00 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs enter Saturday night’s matchup with the New York Mets on a three-game losing streak. The Cubs have a 22-17 record and are two games up on the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the NL Central.

Chicago lost the last two of its three-game series against the San Francisco Giants earlier in the week at Wrigley Field. The Cubs lost Friday night’s matchup 7-2 to the Mets in front of 41,243 fans at Citi Field.

Chicago manager Craig Counsell had delayed naming a starting pitcher for Saturday’s matchup until his postgame presser on Friday night. The Cubs were unsure who would replace Shota Imanaga, on the 15-day injured list for a mild hamstring strain, earlier in the week.

Chicago Cubs name Brade Keller the starter over Cade Horton

Despite calling up rookie Cade Horton before the series, Counsell named right-handed relief pitcher Brad Keller as the starter for Saturday night. Horton will be active, but the Cubs plan to treat Saturday like a bullpen game.

Keller has appeared in 15 games for the Cubs this season. He’s posted a 3.78 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 16.2 innings pitched. The right-handed pitcher has made no starts this season.

Horton posted a 1.24 ERA in six appearances in Iowa.

Cubs accused by fans of punting on series

Syndication: South Bend Tribune Cade Horton Syndication: South Bend Tribune Cade Horton sits during a warmup at Four Winds Feild on June 22, 2023. © MATTIE NERETIN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Fans on social media felt like Counsell was punting on Saturday’s game by making it a bullpen game and being cautious with Horton.

“So you’re saying don’t tune in. Got it,” wrote a fan.

“Yeah we are getting swept. This team sucks every May,” posted another.

“sooo they dont care about winning tomorrow. Cooool,” argued a fan.

“Ok, L and check back Sunday. Thanks for the day off,” believes a poster.

“And there goes the series,” wrote a fan.

“Swept . Injuries are mounting up. Bats won’t be able to out hit NYM,” argued another.

MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) smiles before a game between the Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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