The Chicago Cubs have begun the season at the bottom of the NL Central, going 4-6. However, their problems keep mounting as recent injuries have put the Cubs’ rotation depth to the test early in the season. Already on the Injured List (IL), a 24-year-old Cubs starter has received concerning updates that could sideline him for a significant time this season.

The Cubs pulled Cade Horton from his April 3 start against the Cleveland Guardians in the second inning. The problem that started as tightness in his right wrist eventually developed into forearm discomfort, following which Horton was placed on the 15-day IL. However, things seem to have taken a turn for the worse, as Horton’s MRI did not come back clean. David Kaplan reported on X that Horton will consult Dr. Keith Meister in Texas, as his MRI report was not good, per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

Kaplan wrote on X, “**Breaking News** Per @JesseRogersESPN on Kap and JHood on @Espn1000. Cubs star Cade Horton will visit Dr. Keith Meister in Texas today after his MRI was not clean and not good. Trending down a bad path.”

Last season, Horton went 11-4 in 24 games, posting an ERA of 2.67 across 118 innings. This season, Horton made 2 starts with a 2.45 ERA before going on the IL.

The righty looked sharp in the first inning against the Guardians, getting three straight outs. But after walking Kyle Manzardo to open the second inning, his fastball suddenly lost its heat. The drop-off was obvious—according to MLB.com, he was throwing between 95.5 and 96.5 mph in the first inning, but his last pitch only clocked in at 93.8 mph.

Horton had thrown 17 pitches in the game before veteran pitcher Colin Rea replaced him.

The Cubs had added Rea to the rotation last season following Justin Steele’s season-ending elbow injury. Rea began this year in the bullpen. However, he can move up to the starting rotation depending on how Horton’s situation develops. So far, he has thrown 6.1 innings in two games, posting a 4.26 ERA.

While the verdict for Horton is not yet known, the MRI report indicates he will be out for at least some time. The Cubs will certainly hope Horton’s injury won’t take the Justin Steele route. Otherwise, the Cubs might have to be on the market looking for a starter during the trade deadline. Currently on the 60-day IL, Steele expects to return in late May.

Meanwhile, Matthew Boyd has also landed himself on the 15-day IL following Horton.

Matthew Boyd’s IL trip is a “minimum stint”

The Chicago Cubs’ injury woes in the starting rotation continued as lefty Matthew Boyd also landed himself on the IL. The Cubs placed him on the 15-day IL on Monday owing to a left biceps strain.

Last season’s All-Star was the Cubs’ Opening Day starter against the Washington Nationals. He has made two starts this season, going 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA. Boyd’s latest start came against the Los Angeles Angels last Wednesday.

The 35-year-old threw 5.2 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 1 earned run, and struck out 10.

Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell explained that they decided to place Boyd on the IL to be safe. Counsell further revealed that he expects it would be a minimum stint.

“[Boyd] thought he could pitch, but I think we also all agreed that it was best to be safe here,” Counsell told Marquee Sports Network. “So, I expect this to be a minimum stint.”

The manager also noted that Javier Assad will replace Boyd on the rotation.

“It’s next man up, and Javy’s on turn and ready to go, so it’ll be his chance to make a couple starts,” stated Counsell to the media outlet.

The Cubs have recalled Assad from the Triple-A Iowa, and he will start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.