Chicago Cubs clinch and lose ace in sweet and sour day

The 24-year-old, who had become the Cubs’ most effective starting pitcher over the last half of the season, was pulled from his last start on Tuesday after just three innings and 29 pitches due to back stiffness. At the time, the quick exit was talked up as a purely cautionary measure and that the Rookie of the Year candidate would be “a go” to pitch in the Wild Card series, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell.

Counsell would reveal on Saturday, however, that the Cubs knew of the rib fracture and had wanted to see if Horton could pitch through the injury, as the young star had hoped to do.

By late Saturday morning, though, it became apparent that the righty could not pitch through the pain and discomfort. So, the call was made to put him on the IL, retroactive to Thursday.

Cade Horton goes on the IL after all

“It’s a blow. There’s no question about it,” Counsell told media after the Cubs’ win over the Cardinals. “Losing players to injury at this time of year — it’s not fun. Everybody knows that. And it hurts.”

“It means that other guys are going to get an opportunity,” Counsell continued. “To have a chance to impact the game, have success and control what happens.”

The impact of losing Horton, who had notched an 8-1 record with a 1.03 ERA since the All-Star break, will be felt. Technically, he’ll be eligible to return on October 10, a day before game 5 of The NL Division Series, if necessary. Realistically, though, a return this year is highly doubtful.

In Horton’s place

In his place, the Cubs will have to go with Jameson Taillon or Colin Rea in Horton’s place, alongside lefties Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga. The veterans Taillon and Rea have been outstanding in recent performances, with Taillon notching a 1.59 ERA in 5 starts since a return from the IL while Rea has posted a 2.63 ERA in his five September starts. Taillon got the win on Saturday, moved up a day on the pitching schedule, to accommodate a possible start in game two or three of the Wild Card Series.

On the bright side, the Cubs HAVE looked spectacular these last couple games, very similar to the powerhouse offensive days of earlier on the season. And, of course, at least the team is in the playoffs.

But that’s, apparently, where the good news may end. The anticipated struggle to achieve an extended postseason run just got infinitely more difficult with the loss of Cade Horton.