Cade Horton's health could make or break the Cubs' NLDS hopes

Could the rookie right-hander make a return against Milwaukee?

Rich Eberwein

Matt Dirksen/GettyImages

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton could still pitch for the team this year, making his return a potential X-factor if the North Siders can get through the National League Division Series without him.

Horton went on the 15-day injured list last Saturday after the team announced he had been trying to work through a fractured rib, an ailment that he mysteriously sustained late in the season. The 24-year-old is not eligible to return until Oct. 10, at the earliest, making Game 5 of the NLDS (if there is one) the earliest he could return.

If the Cubs and Brewers force a winner-take-all Game 5, Horton could end up being the perfect guy to pitch for the Cubs, assuming his injury won't be a problem. The 24-year-old would have a full two weeks of recovery and rest to give it his all in a potential do-or-die contest. We've seen this kind of thing before when Kyle Schwarber returned for the World Series in 2016, and we could see it again in the coming days.

Will Cade Horton be ready to make a Kyle Schwarber-like return?

Since we haven't heard a solid update on Horton's status yet, it's probably more realistic that he comes back for the National League Championship Series, but there are many variables involved. The main one is if the Cubs can win the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers without him. But if the Cubs miraculously make it to the NLCS, they will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Philadelphia Phillies, where the team will also greatly benefit from Horton's firepower.

The guy pitched like an ace for the Cubs this year, with a 2.67 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 118 innings. He is the favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award, and I'd bet everything I own that he will do anything to add a postseason start to his already impressive resume this year.

Rich Eberwein

Rich is a journalist and freelancer with over three years of writing experience. As a lover of all things science fiction, fantasy, and baseball, Rich uses these interests to contribute to Fansided's Winter is Coming and Cubbies Crib sites. Rich also works as a multimedia journalist for the digital newsroom Heartland Signal.