Cubs weigh Cade Horton for Game 1 as MRI flags rib concerns

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs continued a cautious evaluation of rookie right-hander Cade Horton on Thursday after he left Tuesday night’s start against the New York Mets with back tightness and rib discomfort, an injury that has put the 24-year-old’s likely role as the team’s Game 1 starter in next week’s National League wild-card series in question. Horton departed Wrigley Field after three innings and 29 pitches, following a second-pitch home run by Francisco Lindor, and the Cubs lost 9-7.

Manager Craig Counsell said an MRI taken Wednesday showed areas of concern around Horton’s ribs and that team doctors will seek a second opinion on the imaging. “Right now, Cade is a go,” Counsell said Thursday. “We want to make sure we use this time to let Cade tell us how he feels, let Cade show us how he feels, consult our doctors and let them make recommendations and get the best decision we can make.”

Horton, who has emerged as a postseason candidate since the All-Star break, has posted a 2.67 ERA in 23 appearances this season and has been particularly dominant at Wrigley Field, where he has a 1.63 ERA in 11 home starts, according to team reporting. Counsell and the medical staff plan to...