Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton will have season-ending surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday.
Horton, 24, was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with what the team called a strained forearm. He left in the second inning of Friday’s game in Cleveland after he felt discomfort while throwing a 93.8 mph fastball — slower than normal.
Horton, who went 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA as a rookie last season, returned to Chicago to see team doctors on Monday.
The emerging ace has battled injuries throughout his career, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021. He also missed time in 2024 with a shoulder ailment and during last year’s playoffs with a rib injury.
The Cubs handled him carefully last season, limiting his innings and pitch count — especially in the second half. None of that prevented the current injury which serves as a big blow to the team’s chances this year.
The Cubs have depth at the position to cover the innings, but not necessarily the production as the replacement options don’t have the talent and stuff that Horton possesses.
Those options start with Javier Assad, who was called up to pitch Tuesday, but also extend to Colin Rea, who started 27 games for the Cubs last season.
The Cubs are also awaiting the return of lefty Justin Steele, who underwent elbow surgery last April but should be pitching in minor league games by the end of the month and the majors my Memorial Day.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
