The Cubs were counting on Cade Horton to be one of their top starters this season but he will miss the rest of the year after surgery on his right elbow. Luke Hales / Getty Images
April 7, 2026 5:42 pm EDT
ST. PETERSBURG — The Chicago Cubs confirmed that it was bad news for Cade Horton and his injured right elbow. After seeing multiple doctors, it was determined that the young righty will undergo season-ending elbow surgery.
Exactly what type of procedure he will have and the timeline for his return is still to be determined, but Horton won’t return until 2027 at the earliest. After a brilliant rookie season during which he emerged as a key part of the Cubs’ rotation and posted a 2.67 ERA, Horton was viewed as a big piece for a team that has World Series aspirations.
Horton was strong in his first start of the season, but exited after just 17 pitches in an outing against the Cleveland Guardians last Friday. Despite a slight bit of optimism because the pain emanated from his wrist into his forearm, there was still immediate concern about Horton. He was sent back to Chicago on Saturday, got an initial diagnosis from team physician Dr. Stephen Gryzlo on Monday, then had the bad news confirmed on Tuesday morning when he saw Dr. Keith Meister in Texas.
Just 10 games into the season, the Cubs are taking early-season hits to their rotation. Along with losing Horton, Matthew Boyd was placed on the 15-day IL on Monday with left biceps strain. Boyd’s injury is considered minor and he’s expected to return to the mound once eligible. Javier Assad will start Tuesday night in Boyd’s place and Colin Rea, who relieved Horton on Friday, is expected to at least take the bulk of the innings in his stead.
This story will be updated.
Apr 7, 2026
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