Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Cade Horton is bound for the injured list following forearm discomfort that forced him from his appearance against Cleveland after throwing just 17 pitches across one-plus innings.
The team reported that Horton experienced right forearm discomfort and departed the contest alongside the Cubs’ head trainer. He had successfully pitched a clean first inning before issuing a five-pitch walk to Kyle Manzardo to begin the second frame, at which point he exited the game.
“I had some tightness in my wrist and as the game went on, it went into my forearm,” Horton explained. “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.”
Cubs skipper Craig Counsell confirmed that Horton will travel back to Chicago for medical imaging and will require placement on the injured list.
The 24-year-old hurler had been performing well this season, most recently reducing his earned run average to 2.45 on Friday following a strong outing against Washington on March 28, where he allowed two runs across 6 1/3 innings during the Cubs’ 10-2 victory over the Nationals. This marks his second campaign in the major leagues.
Cleveland went on to defeat Chicago 4-1 in the contest. Colin Rea stepped in to replace Horton and threw 3 1/3 innings while surrendering only one run, though Hunter Harvey (0-1) later allowed two crucial home runs.
