MLB: Chicago Cubs at Toronto Blue Jays MLB: the Cubs at Toronto Blue Jays Aug 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton (22) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher leaves game due to injury: Report

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 5:04 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are in the middle of a critical series with their divisional rival, the Milwaukee Brewers, which could affect the lead for the National League Central. The Cubs made a few roster moves ahead of the series with the Brewers, hoping to give them a chance of taking three out of five games.

Sadly, the series got off on the wrong foot, with rookie right-hander Cade Horton leaving the game with an injury, which hopefully won’t hurt the Cubs in the long run.

Chicago Cubs Cade Horton leaves the game early due to injury

Horton, 23, has been one of the Cubs’ better starters this season, going 7-3 with a 3.08 ERA in 87.2 innings (17 games). Horton was the starter for today’s game against the Brewers and was pitching great through 2.2 innings until he was removed due to a blister, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score.

“Cubs starter Cade Horton out of game the 3rd with apparent blister issue.”

Cubs starter Cade Horton out of game the 3rd with apparent blister issue.

— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) August 18, 2025

Drew Pomeranz was the pitcher to replace Horton, going 1.1 innings, allowing no hits, no walks, and striking out none.

Hopefully, this is nothing long-lasting

MLB: Game One Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs MLB: Game One Milwaukee Brewers at the Cubs Aug 18, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; l Cubs pitcher Cade Horton (22) delivers against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Given this is a blister, Horton may not require an IL stint and could only miss one start depending on the severity of the blister. The Cubs will need Horton to remain healthy and continue to pitch well to get back on the right track and give the Brewers a fight down the stretch run.

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies MLB: Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies, Eli Lovich Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; A baseball sits on the dugout fence in the seventh inning between the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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

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