Could injury to Shota Imanaga force Cubs to call up top prospect?

It wouldn't be shocking if the Cubs put Imanaga on the 15-day IL. Citing Baseball Prospectus' injury database, CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson reported hamstring strains typically last three to four weeks. 

If Imanaga misses multiple weeks, it could be costly for Chicago. Through his first eight games this season, he led the team in ERA (2.82) and wins (three).

Chicago ace Justin Steele — a one-time All-Star — underwent season-ending left elbow surgery on April 18. 

Chicago doesn't have elite pitching outside of Steele and Imanaga. Through its first 34 games this season, it ranked 16th in baseball in ERA (3.81).

Horton — the No. 2 prospect in the Cubs farm system, per MLB Pipeline — could help mitigate Chicago's starting pitching issues. 

He looks ready to make the jump to the majors. In his start against the Buffalo Bisons on Sunday, he allowed one run and two hits in six innings. Through his first six games for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs this season, he has a stellar 1.24 ERA.

The Cubs, however, have hinted they don't want to rush Horton's development. 

"The best thing that's happening with Cade right now is just he's taking the ball every six days," Chicago manager Craig Counsell told MLB.com's Jordan Bastian in a story published April 21. "Just keep taking the ball. Keep developing. Keep improving. And we'll see where that gets us sometime in the middle of the summer. I think Cade needs to pitch. I think there's a lot of mound time that's really important to him." 

Still, it seems like the right time for the Cubs to expedite their plans for Horton. They don't want pitching issues to derail their 21-14 start.