We got some news this morning on Cade Horton’s injury, and it is not good. On ESPN1000, Jesse Rogers reported that his MRI was “not clean” and that he would be visiting a doctor in Texas. All signs point to Tommy John surgery, which would put him on the Justin Steele path for next season.
I suppose the good news is that next season will likely be postponed due to a work stoppage, so by the time that is resolved, he might be able to pitch a full 2027 season. Yes, that’s what serves as good news so far in 2026.
In non-season-ending-injury news, Matthew Boys has a strained bicep and will go on the IL. The wealth of starting pitching depth the Cubs appeared to have this Spring has vanished in a very short period of time. Gone are discussions of 6-man rotations. The new normal is wondering if there is anyone left in Iowa who can replace run-allowing machine Jameson Taillon in the rotation now that Colin Rea and Javier Assad have already been forced to join the rotation.
The offense is struggling to score runs (25th in wRC+), the reworked bullpen appears to need additional rework (20th in ERA), the rotation is down two key members, and the Cubs are already 4 games behind the Brewers in the standings.
Some good news? Edward Cabrera has looked great. Shota had a very solid start his last time out. Amaya, Hoerner and Happ (when he makes contact) are hitting the ball pretty well. Palencia looks like a dominant closer.
I’m not going to panic, but it would be really great if we could see a few signs of a turnaround very soon, as another 10-game stretch like we just saw would did a hole that this season’s team might night be able to dig out from (see the 2025 Braves).
Cubs in 7 
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