Chicitysports – Chicago Sports News Site
  • BEARS
    • Chicago Bears News
    • Chicago Bears Rumors
    • Caleb Williams news
  • BULLS
    • Michael Jordan News
    • Chicago Bulls News
    • Chicago Bulls Rumors
  • BLACKHAWKS
    • Connor Bedard News
    • Chicago Blackhawks News
    • Chicago Blackhawks Rumors
  • CUBS
    • Chicago Cubs Prospects
    • Chicago Cubs News
    • Chicago Cubs Rumors
  • WHITE SOX
    • Chicago White Sox Prospects
    • Chicago White Sox News
    • Chicago White Sox Rumors
  • SKY
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Navigation
  • About Us
  • About Us
  • Author Page Template
  • Chicago Sports News
  • Chicago Sports Podcasts
  • ChiCity+
  • Editorial policy
  • Editorial team
  • email test
  • Get In Touch
  • homepage
  • homepage
  • Join Our Group
  • Meet the team
  • Newsletter
  • Our Writers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Push notifications
  • Social Media
  • test
  • Test page
  • Testing
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending
  • Ben Johnson’s immediate reaction to scathing Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears report
  • Calls mount for Chicago Cubs roster change after 3B takes 3 strikeouts
  • Justin Fields’ name trends amid Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams drama
  • Kyler Gordon gets brutally honest on Chicago Bears’ locker room chaos
  • Chicago Sky have unfortunate reaction to ‘mental health’ statement with Angel Reese
  • Chicago Blackhawks had eyes on another top college coach next to David Carle
  • Chicago Cubs under-appreciated slugger is putting up big-time clutch numbers
  • Roquan Smith has 2025 Chicago Bears matchup circled with red ink
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Chicitysports – Chicago Sports News SiteChicitysports – Chicago Sports News Site
WANT FREE UPDATES?
  • BEARS
    • Chicago Bears News
    • Chicago Bears Rumors
    • Caleb Williams news
  • BULLS
    • Michael Jordan News
    • Chicago Bulls News
    • Chicago Bulls Rumors
  • BLACKHAWKS
    • Connor Bedard News
    • Chicago Blackhawks News
    • Chicago Blackhawks Rumors
  • CUBS
    • Chicago Cubs Prospects
    • Chicago Cubs News
    • Chicago Cubs Rumors
  • WHITE SOX
    • Chicago White Sox Prospects
    • Chicago White Sox News
    • Chicago White Sox Rumors
  • SKY
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Chicitysports – Chicago Sports News Site
Home»Cubs»Report: Chicago Cubs ready to call up top pitching prospect as Imanaga replacement
Cubs

Report: Chicago Cubs ready to call up top pitching prospect as Imanaga replacement

Paul MagnoBy Paul MagnoMay 5, 20254 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Email
Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton throws against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Sloan Park.
MLB: Spring Training San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs Mar 21, 2025; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton throws against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

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

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park
MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres
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?

Syndication: South Bend Tribune Cade Horton
Syndication: South Bend Tribune Cade Horton sits during a warmup at Four Winds Feild on June 22, 2023. © MATTIE NERETIN / USA TODAY NETWORK

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

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) reacts during the sixth inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) reacts during the sixth inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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.

Chicago Cubs could take chance on veteran right-handed pitcher after he was DFA’d on Thursday

Chicago Cubs could take chance on veteran right-handed pitcher after he was DFA’d on Thursday

Read More

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

Cade Horton Chicago Cubs Craig Counsell FEATURED Shota Imanaga
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Author Image
BY Paul Magno

Paul Magno is a trending news writer for ChiCitySports.

Related Posts

Cubs May 16, 2025

Calls mount for Chicago Cubs roster change after 3B takes 3 strikeouts

Bears May 16, 2025

Justin Fields’ name trends amid Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams drama

Chicago Sky May 16, 2025

Chicago Sky have unfortunate reaction to ‘mental health’ statement with Angel Reese

Cubs May 16, 2025

Chicago Cubs under-appreciated slugger is putting up big-time clutch numbers

Cubs May 16, 2025

‘He’s struggled’: Chicago Cubs manager isn’t confident with new pitcher

Bears May 16, 2025

Chicago Bears ‘change focus’ on stadium location: Report

Leave A Reply

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
  • Home
  • Message Board
  • About Us
  • Editorial policy
  • Contact Us
  • Our Writers
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 ChiCitySports. Designed by Dope Guys Who Run ChiCitySports

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.