Cade Horton Offers Hope Amid Injury Concerns
Cubs Rookie Reflects on Recovery Journey
The Chicago Cubs faced a significant setback recently as news broke that rookie pitcher Cade Horton had suffered a fractured rib at the end of September. This unfortunate injury prematurely concluded what had been an impressive debut season for the 24-year-old, who emerged as a leading candidate for the NL Rookie of the Year award.
Initially, Horton and the team were optimistic. They were aware of the injury days before he was officially placed on the 15-day injured list. Horton wanted to test his limits, hoping he could pitch through the discomfort. However, after a rough outing against the New York Mets, where he struggled to complete three innings, it became clear that the rib injury would sideline him for the playoffs.
Playoff Aspirations and Team Performance
The Cubs managed to advance past the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card round, igniting a flicker of hope among fans and teammates that Horton might return for the upcoming NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers. With a stellar record of 11 wins, 4 losses, a 2.67 ERA, and 97 strikeouts over 118 innings, including an impressive 1.64 ERA in his last seven starts, Horton’s absence was felt deeply.
However, as the NLDS approached, it was confirmed that Horton would not be activated for the series. This decision hinted that his recovery was still a work in progress, and the team was not willing to rush him back to the mound.
Encouraging Words from the Rookie
Before the NLDS commenced, Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided an update on Horton’s condition. He stated, “He feels good. We’re encouraging healing right now, so we’re not doing anything that would cause pain. We haven’t pushed him to a place that we would test that.” As the week progressed, a decision regarding Horton’s potential return was still pending, reflecting the cautious approach the team was taking.
In a turn of events, Horton spoke to the media just a day prior to a critical Game 3 against the Brewers. His message provided a glimmer of optimism, stating, “At this moment, I am pain-free.” This revelation, shared through an X post from Marquee Sports Network, underscored his determination to recover fully. “You know, just really not trying to still push it. But yeah, for right now, I’m feeling good,” he added, reassuring fans and teammates alike that he was on the mend.
As the Cubs navigate the postseason without one of their key pitchers, Horton’s hopeful outlook on his recovery is a reminder of the resilience and spirit that defines the team.
