Chicago Cubs starter Cade Horton threw just 17 pitches on Friday before leaving a start against the Cleveland Guardians with forearm discomfort.
The second-year major leaguer who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting last year was making his second start of the season.
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The Cubs announced Horton’s injury after his exit in the second inning. The extent of his injury wasn’t immediately clear.
Horton pitched a 1-2-3 first against the Guardians, then walked Kyle Manzardo to lead off the second on five pitches. After throwing a pitch to Josh Naylor on the next at-bat, Horton immediately looked to the Cubs dugout. Manager Craig Counsell and a trainer left the dugout for a meeting on the mound, and Horton left the field with the trainer, his day done.
The Cubs announced shortly after his exit that he had been initially diagnosed with right forearm discomfort.
Horton, 24, flashed ace potential during his promising 2025 rookie campaign. In 23 appearances, Horton posted a 2.67 ERA and 1.085 WHIP with 97 strikeouts and 33 walks in 118 innings pitched. He finished second behind Braves catcher Drake Baldwin in NL Rookie of the Year voting while garnering nine of 30 first-place votes.
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Horton started this season as a key member of Chicago’s rotation as the Cubs seek to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season and unseat the reigning NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers. Horton is a significant part of those plans.
The Cubs and their fans are now left to hope that his injury isn’t significant and doesn’t require an extended layoff.
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