Cubs Call Up Reliever Riley Martin for MLB Debut

Cade Horton placed on IL, Ethan Roberts added as 27th man for doubleheader

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:20pm

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The Chicago Cubs have placed starting pitcher Cade Horton on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 1. To replace Horton on the active roster, the team has called up left-handed reliever Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa. Additionally, right-hander Ethan Roberts will join the team as the 27th man for Sunday's doubleheader.

Why it matters

Horton's injury is a setback for the Cubs' rotation, but the team is hopeful he can return in as little as two starts. The call-up of Martin provides the bullpen with a fresh arm, and Roberts' addition gives the Cubs extra pitching depth for the doubleheader.

The details

Horton was placed on the IL with an undisclosed injury. The 23-year-old had made one start this season, allowing three runs over 4.1 innings. Martin, a 28-year-old lefty, was the Cubs' sixth-round pick in 2021 out of Quincy University. He made one appearance at Triple-A Iowa this year, throwing three innings and allowing one run. Roberts, a right-hander, will serve as the 27th man for Sunday's doubleheader against the Brewers.

  • Horton's IL stint is retroactive to April 1.
  • Horton is eligible to return from the IL on April 19.
  • Martin was called up from Triple-A Iowa on April 5.
  • Roberts will join the team as the 27th man for the April 9 doubleheader.

The players

Cade Horton

A 23-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who was placed on the 15-day injured list.

Riley Martin

A 28-year-old left-handed relief pitcher who was called up from the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate to make his MLB debut.

Ethan Roberts

A right-handed pitcher who will join the Cubs as the 27th man for their April 9 doubleheader.

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What they’re saying

“With those off days, it's possible Horton, if deemed healthy, could start that day against the Mets, thus missing only two starts.”

— Al Yellon, Author

What’s next

The Cubs will monitor Horton's progress during his IL stint, with the hope that he can return to the rotation as soon as April 19 against the Mets. In the meantime, the team will look to Riley Martin to provide bullpen depth, and Ethan Roberts will be available for the doubleheader on April 9.

The takeaway

This roster move highlights the Cubs' depth and flexibility, as they are able to call up a fresh arm in Martin to replace the injured Horton while also adding Roberts for extra pitching support during the upcoming doubleheader. The team remains optimistic that Horton's absence will be brief, allowing them to maintain stability in the starting rotation.