Monday was a worst-case scenario for the Chicago Cubs as rookie starting pitcher Cade Horton wasn't able to make it out of the third inning. Horton was dealing with a blister, and the timing could not have been worse with the Cubs, at the time, in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers. Monday's nightcap was postponed, but after the bullpen was leaned on Monday, it goes without saying the Cubs need more from their starting pitcher during the final four games against the Brewers.
The Brewers and Cubs will try to complete a doubleheader on Tuesday, and the Cubs have set their rotation for the remainder of the series.
Cubs starters vs. the Brewers:
— Elise Menaker (@EliseMenaker) August 18, 2025
Tuesday G1: Matthew Boyd
Tuesday G2: Jameson Taillon (probable)
Wednesday: Colin Rea
Thursday: Shota Imanaga
Jameson Taillon will be activated from the IL ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday. Along those lines, it would make sense for the Taillon to be activated after Game 1. Such a move would allow the Cubs to have two fresh arms for Tuesday afternoon's game, considering they will likely replace Gavin Hollowell as the 27th man, and Luke Little should be optioned back to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs can then make a separate roster move ahead of tonight's game, bringing Taillon back for his start.
Brewers series leaves Cubs pitchers carrying franchise-sized weight
Ideally, Matthew Boyd is able to get the Cubs through the sixth inning. Drew Pomeranz, Taylor Rogers, Luke Little, and Gavin Hollowell were all tasked with getting the Cubs to the end of the game on Monday after Horton was pulled. Pomeranz and Rogers pitched under 20 pitches, so chances are they will be available for one of the games today. Jordan Wicks is also believed to be at Wrigley Field.
In his last rehab start with the Iowa Cubs, Taillon pitched 5 and 1/3 innings on August 13. Chances are, the sixth inning would likely be the ceiling for his start tonight. Colin Rea has been an unsung addition to the backend of the Cubs' rotation, but he will be up against Brewers' phenom Jacon Misiorowski. This could set the stage for Shota Imanaga once again having to put the superhero cape on and save the Cubs' momentum.
