Cubs Recall Left-Hander Riley Martin After Placing Cade Horton on IL

Martin, a former Division II player, gets his MLB call-up after a long journey to the majors.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:10pm

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The Chicago Cubs have placed right-hander Cade Horton on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain and have recalled left-hander Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa. Martin, a fifth-round draft pick in 2021, had a long and circuitous route to the majors after playing at Division II Quincy University.

Why it matters

The Cubs' pitching depth will be tested with Horton's injury, and Martin's call-up represents a feel-good story of perseverance for a player who was once preparing for pharmacy school before getting his big league opportunity.

The details

Horton returned to Chicago on Sunday to be further evaluated by doctors on Monday. In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled the 25-year-old Martin, who impressed at Triple-A Iowa last season with a 2.69 ERA across 47 games. Martin was expecting to be done playing baseball after his college season and was prepared for pharmacy school, but he kept working and the Cubs gave him a chance as a senior sign in 2021.

  • Horton was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to April 4.
  • Martin was recalled by the Cubs on Sunday, April 5.

The players

Cade Horton

A right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain.

Riley Martin

A left-handed pitcher who was recalled from Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs after being drafted in the fifth round in 2021 out of Division II Quincy University.

Marty Pevey

The manager of the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, who informed Martin of his call-up to the major leagues.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs.

Seiya Suzuki

The Cubs' right fielder who has been on the injured list since the start of the season with a PCL sprain suffered in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“It's been long. I didn't have a ton of offers at high school. [Former baseball coach and current athletic director Josh Rabe] took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity, and the Cubs gave me an opportunity as a senior sign. So it's pretty cool, just the journey that I've been on and just excited to keep going on.”

— Riley Martin, Cubs Pitcher

“He was on the cusp a couple times of being the guy. He had a very good season last year, and so, more than anything, nothing happened in six innings since then. But his last season made everybody take note for sure, got him on the roster, and that's what makes him an option.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs will evaluate Seiya Suzuki's status after he plays three consecutive games at Double-A Knoxville as he works his way back from a PCL sprain suffered in the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

Riley Martin's call-up to the major leagues is an inspiring story of perseverance, as the former Division II player overcame long odds to earn his shot with the Cubs. His performance last season at Triple-A earned him this opportunity, and the Cubs will look to him to help fill the void left by Cade Horton's injury.