Rookie Cade Horton Sets Cubs Franchise Scoreless Innings Record

Rookie pitcher Cade Horton has become a cornerstone for the Chicago Cubs during their 2025 season, delivering the longest scoreless innings streak by a Cubs rookie at 23.1 innings and boasting a 3.18 ERA over 79.1 innings. Despite injury setbacks and workload concerns, the Cubs have carefully managed Horton's innings, limiting his pitch counts to maintain his health and effectiveness. The team resisted trading Horton at the deadline, valuing his potential impact beyond this season over acquiring other established pitchers. In a recent standout performance against the Cincinnati Reds, Horton pitched 5 2/3 shutout innings with six strikeouts, helping the Cubs avoid a sweep and extend their competitive standing in the NL Central. Cubs' manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of preserving Horton's health for the long term, reflecting the team's strategic approach to his development. Horton's contributions have been vital amid injuries to other starting pitchers, highlighting his role in stabilizing the Cubs' rotation and bolstering their playoff aspirations.