Cubs Announce Reason for Cade Horton's Removal From Mets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 9:42 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are looking to make a deep postseason run after the organization clinched their spot in the MLB playoffs last Wednesday.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell figures to rely heavily on the Cubs’ young core, especially Cade Horton, the team’s hard-throwing rookie right-hander. Horton is in his first big-league season after Chicago selected him seventh overall in the 2022 MLB Draft.

The 24-year-old rookie has impressed so far, posting a 2.66 ERA, 11–4 record, 95 strikeouts and a 1.096 WHIP. Horton’s efforts have him in the race for NL Rookie of the Year and he figures to start at least one game in a three-game set behind Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd.

Cubs Share Latest Update on Rookie Cade Horton

During Tuesday’s matchup with the New York Mets, Horton was cruising through three innings after a leadoff home run from Francisco Lindor. He had settled in nicely, striking out two hitters and throwing just 29 pitches. However, Counsell removed Horton ahead of the fourth inning, with Michael Soroka coming in his place. With many Cubs fans wondering the reasoning behind Horton’s early exit—whether it was rest for the postseason or injury related—the team announced an update.

“The Cubs pulled Cade Horton after three innings as a precaution because his back was tightening up, the team announced,” wrote Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Cubs pulled Cade Horton after three innings as a precaution because his back was tightening up, the team announced.
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) September 24, 2025

This is a disappointing development for the Cubs, as although it appears Horton has not suffered a serious injury, Chicago will need his arm fully available next week.

Horton’s status will be monitored as he attempts to recover from his back tightness after his early exit on Tuesday. His emergence as a true threat alongside Imanaga and Boyd has been a huge reason for the Cubs’ success this season, and if his back worsens, Counsell would likely turn to veteran Colin Rea in the wild card round.

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

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