Cubs Pitching Injuries Mounting, Raising Concerns

Experts warn the team may need to be 'buyers' at the trade deadline to bolster rotation.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:20pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes that deconstruct a baseball pitcher's delivery, conveying the fractured nature of the Cubs' pitching staff.A fragmented, cubist depiction of a Cubs pitcher's motion highlights the team's need to find stability in their rotation.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs are facing a rash of early-season pitching injuries, including the loss of Cade Horton for the season and ongoing issues with Matthew Boyd and Justin Steele. Experts say the Cubs may need to be 'buyers' at the trade deadline to add external help and remain a viable World Series contender.

Why it matters

The Cubs' pitching woes come at a critical time, as the team looks to build on a promising 2025 season and compete in the NL Central. Injuries to key starters could derail their playoff hopes if not addressed, making the team's trade deadline activity an important factor to watch.

The details

The Cubs have already lost Cade Horton to a season-ending right elbow injury, while 2025 All-Star Matthew Boyd is sidelined with a left biceps issue. Justin Steele is also expected to miss time early in the season as he recovers from UCL surgery. This leaves the team relying heavily on Edward Cabrera, who has impressed so far but has his own history of injury troubles.

  • Cade Horton suffered a right elbow injury on April 3, requiring season-ending surgery.
  • Matthew Boyd is currently out with a left biceps issue.
  • Justin Steele is expected to return from UCL surgery in the first half of the season.

The players

Cade Horton

A Cubs pitcher who suffered a season-ending right elbow injury on April 3.

Matthew Boyd

A 2025 All-Star pitcher for the Cubs who is currently sidelined with a left biceps issue.

Justin Steele

A Cubs pitcher expected to return from UCL surgery in the first half of the season.

Edward Cabrera

A Cubs pitcher who has impressed early on but has a history of injury troubles.

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What they’re saying

“Removing (Horton) from the Cubs' rotation after an April 3 right elbow injury that required season-ending surgery is a damaging blow to a Chicago team that added some juice to its rotation in the form of Edward Cabrera but nevertheless has depth questions.”

— Anthony Castrovince, MLB.com Writer

“Cabrera went from a big X-factor to a gigantic one now. He's off to a truly fantastic start, with a spotless ERA in 11 2/3 innings in which he's struck out nine and allowed two hits and six walks, entering Saturday's start against Pittsburgh. The walks are a small window into the control problems that prevented Cabrera from reaching his ceiling with the Marlins, though the bigger issue has been his history of injury troubles. Needless to say, the Cubs need him to stay healthy all the more now that Horton is out of the picture.”

— Anthony Castrovince, MLB.com Writer

What’s next

Though Justin Steele is expected back from UCL surgery in the first half, the Cubs have all the makings of a club that will need some external help between now and the Trade Deadline to be a viable World Series contender.

The takeaway

The Cubs' early-season pitching injuries, including the loss of Cade Horton for the season, have raised concerns about the team's depth and ability to remain a playoff contender. The performance of Edward Cabrera will be crucial, but the Cubs may ultimately need to be 'buyers' at the trade deadline to bolster their rotation.