Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, manager Craig Counsell announced Tuesday.
Horton, the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, impressed in his first start of 2026 but exited his next outing on April 3 with a forearm strain after a velocity drop. Counsell did not specify the surgical procedure or set a date for the operation.
The 24-year-old, drafted 7th overall in 2022, has a history of injuries including Tommy John surgery in 2021 and shoulder issues in 2024. His standout 2025 season featured a 2.67 ERA over 118 innings.
His loss is significant for a Cubs staff already dealing with injuries to starters Matthew Boyd (biceps) and Justin Steele (elbow). The team will rely on Javier Assad and Colin Rea to fill the innings in Horton's absence.