Cade Horton's MRI shows 'areas of concern' in ribs, but Cubs rookie 'a go' for playoffs -- for now

Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune on Sep 25, 2025

Published in Baseball

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CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs are progressing as though right-hander Cade Horton will be available when the postseason begins next week.

Horton’s MRI on Wednesday showed “some areas of concern” in his ribs, manager Craig Counsell said before Thursday’s series finale against the New York Mets. While the Cubs plan to gather more information, Counsell noted time is on their side ahead of the wild-card series starting Tuesday and that Horton “is a go” for the playoffs.

“As the days go on, we’ll gather more information and see where we’re at,” Counsell said. “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. He’s adamant he can go pitch. We just want to make sure we’ve got all the information before we go out there in obviously a big spot for everybody.”

The 24-year-old did not throw Wednesday or Thursday after departing Tuesday’s start after three innings with back tightness. Counsell called it a very good sign that Horton is scheduled to throw Friday and that the rookie is optimistic he can pitch.

Horton is not expected to undergo any more tests, but his MRI will be reviewed by another physician.

“Fortunately, (the postseason) is not until next week,” Counsell said. “That’s why we want to make sure use this time to let Cade tell us how he feels, let Cade show us how he feels, consult with consult with our doctors and let them make recommendations and get the best decision we can make.”

Part of the information-gathering process will involve better determining whether this a rib cage and/or back issue.

“That’s why we’re trying to make sure we know exactly what we’re treating,” Counsell said. “I think as the days go on, we’ll kind of rule stuff in, rule stuff out, and by Cade progressing, we’ll know how he’s feeling and then we’ll be able to make a decision.”

Horton has been a stellar addition to the rotation, posting a 2.67 ERA and 145 ERA+ in 23 outings spanning 118 innings. He has been tough to hit at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs are on the verge of securing home field for the National League wild-card series. If healthy, Horton likely would be in the mix to start Game 1 of the best-of-three series.

Their magic number for the top wild-card spot was at two entering Thursday night’s game.

In 11 home starts, Horton has a 1.63 ERA and 0.940 WHIP in 55 1/3 innings. Horton’s reliability in the second half helped the Cubs navigate an inconsistent stretch by producing a 1.03 ERA and allowing one or no runs in 11 of those 12 starts.