Cade Horton has been a menace to opposing hitters the last six weeks.
In that span, Horton allowed only five runs in 40 innings (1.13 ERA) and was a stabilizing presence in the Chicago Cubs’ rotation. He got the ball in Game 1 of Monday’s doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers in a huge five-game series that represents the final regular-season meeting between the division rivals.
However, Horton lasted only 2 2/3 innings, apparently due to an issue with his right hand. Manager Craig Counsell and head trainer Nick Frangella came out to check on Horton after he allowed a one-out home run to Brice Turang followed by a Caleb Durbin double. He threw a couple of test pitches under their watch and remained in the game, but Horton’s command remained off.
Following William Contreras’ groundout, Horton threw seven consecutive balls to walk Christian Yelich and hit Andrew Vaughn to load the bases. It prompted another mound visit by Counsell and Frangella that resulted in Horton coming out of the game.
Left-hander Drew Pomeranz took over and forced Blake Perkins to ground out to third baseman Matt Shaw to end the threat.