Nightmare scenario unfolds for the Cubs as Cade Horton leaves with an injury

Riding a hot streak that dates back more than a month at this point, the Chicago Cubs turned to rookie right-hander Cade Horton in the afternoon tilt of Monday's doubleheader, hoping he could help the team pick up a series-opening win.

Instead, he departed after just 2 2/3 innings with what appeared to be a blister on his pitching hand, forcing manager Craig Counsell to turn to his bullpen far earlier than he'd hoped with another game looming this evening.

It quickly became clear Horton wasn't at his best as his control completely unraveled in the second and third innings after setting Milwaukee down 1-2-3 in the top of the first. Andrew Vaughn and Sal Frielich hit the ball hard in the second (105.2 MPH and 103.9 MPH, respectively) but the right-hander escaped without allowing a run, but the wheels came off in the third.

Cade Horton's doubleheader start quickly unravels due to injury

After retiring Joey Ortiz on a pop-out to open the frame, Brice Turang hammered a middle-middle four-seamer for a solo shot to right and Caleb Durbin followed with a double, prompting a mound visit from Craig Counsell and the training staff. Horton stayed in the game, but, after recording a second out, walked Christian Yelich on four pitches and hit Vaughn with a pitch. Counsell returned to the mound and signaled for left-hander Drew Pomeranz, ending the Cubs rookie's afternoon.

The blister seemed to make it impossible for Horton to use his change-up, which has been a breakout pitch for him this year. He threw 61 total pitches - and just four were change-ups. There was no feel and location was a major issue. Now, the Cubs wait with bated breath to see how long the injury will sideline their prized right-hander.

It's the worst imaginable time for Chicago to lose a starter, even with Jameson Taillon returning from the IL this week. This is the Cubs' best chance to make up ground on Milwaukee in the NL Central race, and now, they're forced to do it with a staff down a top arm. More to come on the official diagnosis and any subsequent roster moves, but it's a really rough way to start this five-game set, no matter how you slice it.