Cade Horton return update comes at worst possible time for Cubs

The Chicago Cubs provided the update that fans were hoping to hear before their NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers. Rookie starting pitcher Cade Horton threw a bullpen session at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, and it would seem that he would be ready to return to the Cubs' roster in a potential NLCS appearance against the Los Angeles Dodgers or Philadelphia Phillies.

Cubs get Cade Horton news they needed—but far too late

After Horton was pulled from his final start of the regular season after throwing only 29 pitches, the National League Rookie of the Year favorite underwent testing that confirmed he suffered a fractured rib. Horton was immediately ruled out for the Cubs' Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres, and wasn't symptom-free ahead of the NLDS. After Horton was left off the roster for the series against the Brewers, the impression was that he likely would be shut down for the remainder of the playoffs.

After Tuesday's update, it now seems likely that Horton would be ready to return to the Cubs' rotation for the NLCS. The issue is that the Cubs have lost the first two games of the NLDS to the Brewers, and enter an elimination game on Wednesday with Jameson Taillon set to take the mound.

Horton's injury dramatically altered the Cubs' pitching plans for the playoffs. The Cubs were forced to use Andrew Kittredge as an opener in Game 2 against the Padres, and returned to Matthew Boyd on short rest last Saturday. A healthy Horton would have certainly started against the Padres and likely pushed Jameson Taillon to Game 1 against the Brewers. Considering the Cubs' inability to score runs in the playoffs, it may not have mattered in the end, but it couldn't have gone much worse than it already has.

If nothing else, the silver lining is that Horton, in theory, should be ready for a regular offseason throwing program ahead of his first full season at the Major League level in 2026.