Cubs Rookie Horton Injured, Misses NL Wild Card Series Start

The Chicago Cubs secured a spot in the 2025 MLB postseason, overcoming injuries and roster challenges throughout the season. Rookie pitcher Cade Horton, a leading candidate for National League Rookie of the Year with an 8-1 record and 1.03 ERA in the second half, suffered a right rib fracture from coughing, resulting in his placement on the 15-day injured list and missing the wild-card round. Despite this setback, Horton remains optimistic about rejoining the team later in the playoffs and is working to maintain his conditioning. The Cubs' rotation, despite injuries to key pitchers like Justin Steele, Javier Assad, and Shota Imanaga, maintained a solid 3.85 ERA, the 10th-best in MLB, demonstrating strong team resilience. On the offensive side, the Cubs found stability at third base with prospect Matt Shaw, who overcame early struggles to become a defensive asset and help solidify the lineup. Chicago will face the San Diego Padres in a highly anticipated wild-card series, with Horton possibly returning for later playoff games.