Sat Sep 27 17:50:00 UTC 2025: **Cubs’ Rookie Sensation Horton’s Wild Card Start in Doubt After Injury Scare**
**CHICAGO** – Chicago Cubs fans are holding their breath as the team evaluates the health of rookie sensation Cade Horton ahead of the National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. Horton, who has expressed his eagerness to pitch in the crucial series, underwent an MRI on his mid-back and ribcage area after leaving Tuesday’s game early due to discomfort.
Manager Craig Counsell revealed that the MRI showed “some areas of concern,” prompting the team to seek a second opinion from another physician. Despite the uncertainty, Counsell remains optimistic about Horton’s availability.
“He’s adamant he can go pitch,” Counsell said. “We just want to make sure we’ve got all the information before he can go out there. Obviously, it’s a big spot for everybody.”
Horton is tentatively scheduled to test his readiness with some throwing on Friday. If cleared, the 24-year-old right-hander and NL Rookie of the Year contender could take the ball in Game 1 or Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, which begins Tuesday.
The injury scare stems from Tuesday’s game against the Mets, where Horton was pulled after three innings and 29 pitches. Counsell noted after the game that Horton had been battling illness, experiencing a persistent cough and discomfort while taking deep breaths. He also reported tightness in his back and side while breathing.
Horton has had an outstanding rookie season with an 11-4 record, a 2.67 ERA, and 97 strikeouts in 118 innings. His performance has been particularly strong since July, boasting a 1.36 ERA in 14 outings.
Counsell emphasized the importance of making a safe decision for Horton, saying, “The reason we want to get as much information as you can is you want to make sure it’s safe for Cade to go out there and pitch.”
If Horton is unable to start, the Cubs have lefties Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga as potential replacements. Veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon is also an option.
Counsell assured fans that the team has multiple plans in place for the Wild Card Series, saying, “We definitely have plans, for sure… We met today on the playoff roster, so we’re at the phase where we’re starting to put plans in place. We’re going to have multiple ones.”
The Cubs are currently in a strong position to secure home-field advantage for the Wild Card Series, which would further solidify Horton’s chances of starting one of the first two games. However, his health remains the primary concern as the team navigates the final stretch of the regular season.
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