The Chicago Cubs had a second straight scare with lefty ace Shota Imanaga. This second time around, though, the scared, sinking feeling was warranted.
In Sundays’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee, the Cubs’ top starter had to be removed from the game in the bottom of the sixth after having pitched five scoreless innings. The Japanese star injured his left hamstring in a double play attempt. It was the second straight start where the 31-year-old had to leave the game early due to leg issues.
The Cubs are being cautious with both words and actions following the injury, sending their top-of-rotation starter for further tests to determine the extent of the injury. Even in a best case scenario, though, it’s possible that he’ll miss several starts while healing. A worst case scenario, obviously, would be disastrous for the team.
Shota Imanaga Injury Shakes Cubs
Apr 15, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Needless to say, losing Imanaga for any period of time, with his 2.82 ERA through 8 starts so far this season, is horrific news for Chicago. After having lost Justin Steele for the rest of the season and Javier Assad for at least half the season, the starting rotation is looking thin and fragile.
And, with a long way to go before teams make pitching assets available at the trade deadline, the Cubs will have to look internally for rotation help.
Given the circumstances, it’s unavoidable that top pitching prospect Cade Horton’s name would be brought up as a possible stopgap replacement.
Calling Up Cade Horton?
As Imanaga was leaving Sunday’s game, the Cubs’ 2022 no. 1 draft pick dazzled once again in Triple-A Iowa, giving up just one run and two hits in six innings. In six starts this season, the 23-year-old has posted a stunning 1.24 ERA, limiting opposition hitters to a feeble .129 batting average while striking out nearly a third of everyone he’s faced.
In Sunday’s post-game press conference, Cubs manager Craig Counsell wouldn’t offer his thoughts on the possibility of calling up Horton, saying that the team was “not even close” to executing backup plans until determining the extent of Imanaga’s injury.
But, realistically, where else could they go if they lose their remaining lefty ace for an extended period of time?
Chicago Cubs May Have No Choice
Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reported on Sunday that his sources within the Cubs organization say that Horton will get the big league call soon.
Per Sharma:
“But even before Imanaga’s injury, sources within the organization have indicated they believe Horton is ready to contribute at the highest level. Horton tossed six innings of one-run ball Sunday with Triple-A Iowa, striking out five while walking one and allowing just two singles. On the season, Horton has a 1.24 ERA with a 30.6 percent strikeout rate and 12 percent walk rate…
The Cubs had been hoping and expecting Horton would impact the team this season. Until Sunday, there didn’t seem to be an obvious landing spot for him. Colin Rea (1.46 ERA) has been pitching brilliantly in Steele’s absence, and Ben Brown bounced back nicely with six scoreless innings Friday.
If Imanaga heads to the IL and Horton is the choice, this certainly isn’t how the Cubs would have preferred their top pitching prospect to make his debut. But in a season in which October is a must and the team looks more than strong enough to make a run, all hands are on deck.”
Although he’s coming back from a season-ending injury last year and has limited actual pro mound time, it looks as though Horton has to be the man, for now, in a legit baptism under fire.
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