Cade Horton (Image Credits: Imagn)

Chicago Cubs Suffer Huge Blow With Cade Horton

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Heena Singh | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 2:13 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are stacking problems pretty early, especially with Cade Horton. A 4-6 start through 10 games already has them sitting at the bottom of the NL Central, and the losses aren’t just on the scoreboard. The rotation is taking hits, and it’s starting to show.

That’s where things shift from rough to concerning. Injuries are creeping in at the worst time, and for a team still trying to find rhythm, losing arms this early changes everything. One name, in particular, is now front and center, and it’s not trending in the right direction.

Per Jesse Rogers on ESPN 1000’s Kap and JHood (reported April 7, 2026), rookie starter Horton is dealing with a concerning setback after an MRI came back “not clean.” Cade Horton exited early against the Guardians on April 3 and was quickly placed on the IL.

**Breaking News** Per @JesseRogersESPN on Kap and JHood on @Espn1000 Cubs star Cade Horton will visit Dr. Keith Meister in Texas today after his MRI was not clean and not good. Trending down a bad path.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) April 7, 2026

Now, he’s headed to Texas to be evaluated by Dr. Keith Meister, a move that raises serious red flags about a potential Tommy John scenario. That’d likely end his season. Horton, who already underwent the procedure in 2021, had posted a sharp 2.45 ERA in limited action this year. Justin Steele is also sidelined.

Cade Horton Headlines Cubs Rotation Woes as Injuries Pile Up in April

The Cubs are already juggling issues just days into April, with injuries piling up. Matthew Boyd is sidelined with a biceps strain but could return soon.

Cade Horton is the bigger concern after a troubling MRI, now seeking another opinion. Meanwhile, Jameson Taillon is holding things together, and Javier Assad steps in next.

Chicago Cubs (Image Credits: Imagn)

At the plate, Nico Hoerner is setting the tone with consistent production. Ian Happ brings power but also swing-and-miss, while Edward Cabrera flashes upside despite control concerns.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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