The Cubs got some bad news today as they placed ace rookie pitcher Cade Horton on the 15-day injured list with a right rib fracture. Left-hander Jordan Wicks has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa.
Horton left his start on Tuesday against the Mets after three innings with back tightness, and all week there were questions about how serious it was. After Horton continued to complain of discomfort and getting a second opinion on his MRI, Horton was placed in the IL with the rib fracture.
Horton had been
sick with a cough last week and while no one can tell for sure, it seems like the coughing was what caused the rib fracture.
Obviously this is terrible timing, as Horton will not be able to pitch in the Wild Card series. The soonest he will be able to return is game five of the National League Division Series, should the Cubs still be playing.
Horton is a leading Rookie of the Year candidate after going 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA after his promotion to the majors in early May. He’s been particularly effective in the second half, going 8-1 with a 1.03 ERA.
Left-hander Wicks joins the Cubs for the fifth time this season, mostly for one appearance, as he’s spent the entire year on the “Des Moines Express.” He’s struggled pitching out of the bullpen for the Cubs this season, posting a 7.94 ERA over seven appearances. He has, however, been better in the starting rotation for Iowa with a 3.55 ERA and more than a strikeout an inning.
