2025 Injury Report: Updates on Horton, Narvaez, Smith

If the Cubs can make it to the NLCS, Cade Horton could be an option. The Cubs indicated on October 6 that Horton is making progress, as he continues to work his way back from an injury. Plus, the Red Sox provided an update on Carlos Narvaez, who struggled during the second half of the year.

Horton progressing

The Cubs have cleared Cade Horton to start throwing. Horton has been playing catch regularly, and the team will look to have him throw again on October 7 during the Cubs’ off-day before Game 3.

Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy stated that if Horton responds well, the rookie will throw about 15 pitches off a mound.

Horton went on the IL during the final week of the 2025 regular season with a rib fracture.

Updates from NLDS-related injuries

Here’s a look at some notes on injured players as part of Game 2 action across the National League:

• Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, who left Game 1 with a hamstring injury, was back in the lineup for Game 2. Chourio started in left field and hit a home run in the fourth inning for the Brewers.
• Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader, who left Game 1 of the Dodgers/Philadelphia series with a groin injury, did not start in Game 2. Bader came off the bench and picked up a single before leaving for a pinch runner.
• Dodgers catcher Will Smith (hand) did not start again for Game 2. He did come in yet again as a pinch hitter and stayed in for defense after his fifth inning at-bat.

Narvaez needs surgery

During the Red Sox’s end-of-season press conference, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow stated that catcher Carlos Narvaez will undergo an arthroscopic knee operation this week to work on a meniscus injury.

Breslow remarked that the knee was bothering Narvaez over the second half.

The 26-year-old had 15 home runs for Boston this season. However, he slashed .187/.233/.387 (.620 OPS) during the second half.