Cubs' Horton Exits with Forearm Injury in 4-1 Loss to Guardians

Cleveland, Ohio - The Chicago Cubs' series against the Cleveland Guardians took an unexpected turn over the weekend, with a key pitcher sidelined by injury on Friday and Saturday's matchup postponed by rain, forcing a doubleheader on Sunday at Progressive Field.

In Friday's opener, Cubs right-hander Cade Horton exited after just 1 1/3 innings, diagnosed with right forearm discomfort. The 24-year-old, who finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting last season with an 11-4 record and 2.67 ERA, retired the Guardians in order in the first before walking leadoff hitter Kyle Manzardo to start the second. His final pitch, a 93.8 mph fastball to Bo Naylor, registered noticeably below his average velocity of 95-96 mph, prompting him to signal for the training staff. Manager Craig Counsell and a trainer met with Horton on the mound before he departed, having thrown 17 pitches, eight for strikes.

Horton, the seventh overall pick in the 2022 draft out of the University of Oklahoma, has a history of arm issues, including Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2021 and a fractured rib that sidelined him for the postseason last year. He addressed reporters after the game,...