The Chicago Cubs entered Wednesday trailing the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the National League Division Series. Cubs pitching has been hammered by the Brewers’ bats this series.
The Cubs pitched Matthew Boyd on short rest in Game 1 and Shōta Imanaga in Game 2. The Brewers scored nine runs in the first game and seven in Game 2. Boyd and Imanaga are solid starters, but the Cubs are clearly feeling the absence of Cade Horton.
Horton has a case to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award, but he went on the injured list with a rib injury at the end of the season. He is not on the Cubs’ NLDS roster, but provided an injury update.
“At this moment, I am pain-free,” Horton told reporters, according to Marquee Sports Network. “Really not trying to still push it, but for right now I’m feeling good.”
Horton exited his final start of the year early. At the time, the move felt precautionary, but the severity of the injury has put the Cubs without one of their best pitchers.
He had a 2.67 ERA in the regular season in 23 games. Hitters had a .219 average against him and he struck out 97 batters. Having him available may have changed the outlook of the series against the Brewers. However, his update does provide hope that he may be available down the line if the Cubs can put together three straight wins against the National League’s top seed.
The Cubs will take on the Brewers at home for the first time in the series on Wednesday. Jameson Taillon is scheduled to start with the Cubs’ season on the line.
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