Cubs Manager Visibly Distressed After Sudden Injury Blow to Postseason Rotation

Rookie pitcher Cade Horton worked on his throws at Wrigley Field on Saturday morning, with manager Craig Counsell noting his mound return as early as Sunday. It seemed likely that Horton would start in the upcoming NL Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. That was before Saturday’s 7-3 win over the Cardinals, when the Chicago Cubs announced the rookie had been placed on a 15-day injured list due to a right rib fracture.

That means the leading NL Rookie of the Year contender will not be part of the first round of the playoffs. Cade Horton had held an 8-1 record with a stunning 1.03 ERA in 12 starts since the second half of the season. His loss proved to be a big blow for the Chicago Cubs going into their first postseason appearance since 2020. When manager Craig Counsell opened up about losing the rookie for the foreseeable future, he didn’t hide his disappointment.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s a blow. There’s no question about it. And it’s unfortunate, and we’ve, you know, it means that other people are going to get an opportunity, other guys are going to get an opportunity, and other people are going to have a chance to impact the game and have success and control what happens,” he said. Earlier this week, Cade Horton had to make an early exit from his start against the Mets. That time, it was due to tightness in his mid-back and right ribcage area. Horton’s recent illness included a persistent cough as well. As the Cubs manager pointed out, that made it hard for the rookie to take deep breaths.

Counsell further addressed, “So, you know, losing players to injury at this time of year is not fun. I mean, the player puts a lot into it. This is the best time of the year; everybody knows that. And it hurts, you know, having to miss at least the first part of it.” The right-hander won’t be activated until October 10. And the NL Division Series will continue on October 11 if a Game 5 is needed.