The Chicago Cubs top prospect Cade Horton suffered a setback in his rehab from a right lat strain. Horton, 22, isn’t expected to return from Triple-A Iowa’s 60-day injured list this season, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. Although, Horton is expected to resume throwing before Iowa’s season ends on September 22. The right-hander won’t have time to get ramped up for a return to pitch. It’s a hard development for Horton, the Cubs’ No. 2 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline.
Cubs’ Cade Horton Likely Out for Season
Chicago’s 2022 first-round draft pick was promoted from Double-A Tennesse to Triple-A Iowa on April 30. Horton posted a 1.10 ERA in four starts with the Smokies, with 18 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings. He made starts with Iowa, posting a 7.50 ERA in 18 innings before landing on the IL on May 31. He was diagnosed with the right lat strain on June 4 and was shut down from throwing for a month. Horton was transferred to the 60-day IL on July 24 as he was working through a throwing program.
The goal right now for the Cubs is to play things safe with Horton, as he will be part of the bigger picture. Horton leads the cast of pitching prospects who will be on the radar for 2025 and beyond.
Horton is in his second season in the minor leagues. He didn’t pitch after the Cubs drafted him seventh overall in 2022. In 2023, he had a 2.65 ERA and 117 strikeouts over 88 1/3 innings between Single-A Myrtle Beach, High-A South Bend and Tennessee.
Cubs Rookie Shut Down from Throwing
Per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Ben Bown has been shut down from throwing for the time being. Brown continues to experience lingering discomfort in his neck that has kept him out since June 11. Manager Craig Counsell did note that his injury is not season-ending, and he expressed confidence that rest will be enough for Brown to cover. He is one of a trio of young pitchers the Cubs hoped to get back from the IL in the final months of the season.
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