Cubs Place Cade Horton on IL with Fractured Rib

The Cubs had been trying to downplay Cade Horton’s injury, but that all took a decided turn on Saturday when they placed the righty on the 15-day IL with a fractured right rib. This is why we wrote that the injury was worse than initially announced, and it’s why I continued to call BS on subsequent reports of optimism about his ability to pitch in the Wild Card series.

Horton will miss the tilt with the Padres, as well as the next round of the Cubs prevail. While he could theoretically be available by Game 5 of the NLDS should the Cubs get there, a minimum IL stint seems like a pipe dream. We’ll have more once the Cubs figure out their rotation, which figures to be Matthew Boyd, Shōta Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon. I’d prefer Colin Rea over Imanaga, but I think Craig Counsell is going to get creative no matter who is in what spot.

While they can still win without Horton, he has clearly been their best pitcher in the second half and his absence hurts their changes in October.

Jordan Wicks has been recalled to fill the open roster spot.