Chicago Cubs Place Cade Horton on Injured List

Bright young pitcher exits start with right forearm discomfort, recalled Riley Martin to fill rotation spot

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:05am

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The Chicago Cubs have placed right-handed pitcher Cade Horton on the 15-day Injured List due to a right forearm strain. Horton, one of the team's top young pitching prospects, left his start on Friday after just 17 pitches due to the injury. In a corresponding move, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa to fill Horton's spot in the rotation.

Why it matters

Losing Horton is a significant blow to the Cubs' starting rotation, which was already without Justin Steele to start the season. Martin, who has pitched parts of four seasons in the minors, will make his MLB debut on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays as the team looks to fill the void left by Horton's injury.

The details

The Cubs placed Horton on the IL with a right forearm strain after he left his start on Friday due to the injury. Horton will undergo further testing and examination in Chicago. In a corresponding move, the team recalled left-hander Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa. Martin has gone 11-7 with a 3.88 ERA and 1.522 WHIP in 139.1 innings at the Triple-A level and is expected to make his MLB debut on Wednesday against the Rays, likely in a long relief or opener role rather than a traditional starter's workload.

  • Horton left his start on Friday after just 17 pitches due to right forearm discomfort.
  • The Cubs placed Horton on the 15-day Injured List on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Cade Horton

A bright young right-handed pitcher in the Chicago Cubs' organization who was forced to exit his start on Friday with a right forearm injury.

Riley Martin

A left-handed pitcher who has pitched parts of four seasons in Triple-A Iowa and was recalled by the Cubs to fill Horton's spot in the rotation.

Justin Steele

A Cubs starting pitcher who is already out to begin the season, further depleting the team's rotation depth.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs who will be tasked with determining how to best utilize Riley Martin in the rotation.

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What’s next

The Cubs will await the results of further testing on Cade Horton's right forearm injury to determine the severity and timeline for his return. In the meantime, Riley Martin is expected to make his MLB debut on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The takeaway

The Cubs' pitching depth is being tested early in the season with injuries to both Cade Horton and Justin Steele. The team will need to rely on unproven arms like Riley Martin to fill the void, putting added pressure on the bullpen and offense to keep the team afloat until the rotation can get healthy.