The Chicago Cubs starting rotation took another huge hit Sunday, April 5. Right-handed starting pitcher Cade Horton, was placed on the 15-day IL after getting removed during his start against the Cleveland Guardians.
However, Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that Horton will miss the season and undergo elbow surgery, per Sahadev Sharma of the Athletic.
Horton left the game after only 17 pitches due to forearm discomfort, which has developed into an elbow injury. Horton will undergo season-ending surgery on his right UCL, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.
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Cade Horton Elbow Injury Details
Early Monday morning, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers initially reported that Cade Horton’s MRI from the team doctor was ‘not good’, later transpiring into a season-ending UCL injury.
Horton visited with elbow specialist Dr. Keith Meister after the MRI results.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell knew that Horton’s in-game discomfort on Sunday was a bad look, taking him out after only two innings.
“You take a pitcher out of a game in the second inning, you’re concerned,” Counsell said. “We’ve got to let a doctor look at it. We’ll probably get imaging. That’s concerning in itself.”
“I had some tightness in my wrist and as the game went on, it went into my forearm,” Horton said following the game. “I wanted to err on the cautious side and not hurt anything else. I just wanted to be smart about it and make a smart decision.”
Horton summoned the trainer after throwing a pitch two miles per hour below his average according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Cade Horton was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft out of Oklahoma. The righty posted an impressive rookie campaign for the Cubs in 2025.
He had an 11-4 record, 2.67 ERA, and 97 strikeouts. Despite having been called up in May of 2024, Horton finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
His 2025 breakout created hope for an incredible sophomore season in 2026, yet the Cubs fall victim to another lethal injury on their pitching staff.
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Is The Chicago Cubs’ Starting Pitching Rotation In Trouble After Horton’s Injury?
After what the Cubs hoped was a fruitful offseason spent bolstering their starting rotation, Chicago is riddled with injuries only 10 games into the 2026 MLB season.
Before the Cubs confirmed that Horton would miss the entire season, their starting rotation hit another roadblock. Matthew Boyd was placed on the 15-day IL with a left bicep strain.
The left-hander and manager Craig Counsell, both didn’t express overwhelming concern for Boyd’s injury. It was rather out of caution and to give the 35-year-old rest to start the season.
“[Boyd] thought he could pitch,” Counsell said, “but I think we also all agreed that it was best to be safe here. So, I expect this to be a minimum stint.”
Boyd and Horton are not the only pitchers on the Cubs injury list.
Justin Steele is still working his way back a UCL repair back in 2025, with an expected return halfway through 2026.
Jordan Wicks and Porter Hodge are still “weeks away” from returning to the mound, but are hopeful to make an appearance by May.
The Cubs face adversity with their pitching staff early on, and can only hope that they maintain a healthy pitching staff for the remainder of the season.
Cubs’ Announce Season-Ending Elbow Surgery For Ace Cade Horton