The Cubs are down two starting pitchers just 11 games into the season. Cade Horton, who was second in Rookie of the Year voting last season, will have season-ending Tommy John surgery, after being pulled from his most recent start in the second inning, struggling with forearm tightness.
Horton joins Matthew Boyd, the opening-day starter, on the IL. Boyd was recently placed on the 15-day list with a left biceps strain. The team was already without star pitcher Justin Steele, who had Tommy John surgery last April.
The Cubs are currently last in the NL Central through the early going, at 5-6.
My take: The Cubs have a Triple-A guy in Boyd's spot and have promoted a bullpen arm for Horton's spot. Steele is expected back at some point in the first half of the season. No one weeps for $250-million Cubbies, but it underscores that no matter how much money is thrown at a roster, it's all about the pitching health of top-of-rotation arms. Chicago is now down their top three starters (counting Steele). Tough to overcome if promoted guys don't flourish.
THE ASYLUM
Cubs lose Horton for season
The Cubs are down two starting pitchers just 11 games into the season. Cade Horton, who was second in Rookie of the Year voting last season, will have season-ending Tommy John surgery, after being pulled from his most recent start in the second inning, struggling with forearm tightness.
Horton joins Matthew Boyd, the opening-day starter, on the IL. Boyd was recently placed on the 15-day list with a left biceps strain. The team was already without star pitcher Justin Steele, who had Tommy John surgery last April.
The Cubs are currently last in the NL Central through the early going, at 5-6.
My take: The Cubs have a Triple-A guy in Boyd's spot and have promoted a bullpen arm for Horton's spot. Steele is expected back at some point in the first half of the season. No one weeps for $250-million Cubbies, but it underscores that no matter how much money is thrown at a roster, it's all about the pitching health of top-of-rotation arms. Chicago is now down their top three starters (counting Steele). Tough to overcome if promoted guys don't flourish.
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