Cubs Consider Cade Horton to Replace Injured Imanaga

With Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga sidelined by a mild hamstring strain and placed on the 15-day injured list, Chicago is weighing options for filling his rotation spot, including top pitching prospect Cade Horton. Horton, who has excelled at Triple-A Iowa with a 1.24 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 29 innings, is being seriously considered for a call-up as the Cubs face increasing challenges to their pitching depth following injuries to both Imanaga and Justin Steele. Cubs president Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell have both acknowledged Horton as an option for the upcoming start against the New York Mets, though they stress the importance of timing and continued development, noting there are still aspects of Horton's game to refine before a permanent promotion. In the meantime, the Cubs have recalled reliever Gavin Hollowell to fill the immediate roster vacancy, but a decision on the Saturday starter remains pending. The organization is prioritizing long-term health and readiness for both Imanaga’s return and Horton’s potential MLB debut, balancing immediate needs with player development. Overall, the situation underscores the Cubs’ need for prospects to step up amid mounting injuries in the pitching staff.