The Chicago Cubs have placed right-handed starter Cade Horton on the 15-day injured list due to a right forearm strain. The move is retroactive to Saturday after Horton exited his Friday start against the Cleveland Guardians after just one-plus inning and 17 pitches.
Horton’s Injury and Exit from Friday’s Game
Horton, who had retired the side in order in the first inning, walked Kyle Manzardo on five pitches to start the second inning before leaving the game with the Cubs’ head trainer. The Guardians went on to win the game 4-1.
“I had some tightness in my wrist and as the game went on, it went into my forearm,” Horton explained after the game. “I wanted to err on the cautious side and not hurt anything else. I just wanted to be smart about it and make a smart decision.”
Horton’s Impressive Start to the Season
Before his early exit, Horton had posted an impressive 2.45 ERA, lowering it after yielding two runs in 6 1/3 innings in a 10-2 win over the Washington Nationals on March 28. The 24-year-old is in his second season in the majors and had an excellent rookie campaign, finishing with an 11-4 record and a 2.67 ERA.
Cubs Make Roster Moves
To adjust for Horton’s absence, the Cubs recalled left-handed pitcher Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa. Martin, 28, has yet to pitch in the majors but boasts a solid minor league track record with a 3.76 ERA in 174 career appearances (three starts).
The Cubs also named right-hander Ethan Roberts as the 27th man for Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians.
