Cubs RHP Cade Horton Exits After Just 17 Pitches: Right Forearm Discomfort Cuts Start Short

Chicago's pitching depth took another hit Friday night in Cleveland. Cubs right-hander Cade Horton was pulled from the game against the Guardians due to right forearm discomfort, exiting after just 17 pitches in what was only his second start of the season. This is not the kind of early-season injury the Cubs wanted to see.

What Happened in Cleveland

Horton threw a 93.8 mph fastball low in the strike zone for a called strike to Bo Naylor, then immediately signaled toward the dugout. Manager Craig Counsell and a trainer came out to check on him, and after a brief conversation, the right-hander came out of the game. That was it. Seventeen pitches, eight of them strikes, and Horton was done.

The 24-year-old had retired the Guardians in order in the first inning before walking Kyle Manzardo to lead off the second. He didn't get far enough to see how serious the discomfort might become.

Context and Concern

This is Horton's second start of the season. He looked solid in his first outing, picking up a win on March 28 against Washington, allowing two runs on four hits with four strikeouts. Before this season, he posted an 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA last year. The guy can pitch.

But there's history here that makes any forearm issue worth taking seriously. Horton had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow back in 2021 while pitching for the University of Oklahoma. He also missed the postseason last year due to a right rib fracture. The eighth overall pick in the 2022 amateur draft has had his share of injury trouble early in his career, and the Cubs will be hoping this is nothing more than precautionary.

Cubs fans are holding their breath waiting for an update on what happens next.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.