Chicago focuses on the National League wild card race as the Cubs struggle, with the spotlight on new pitcher Cade Horton
Chicago Cubs' Rookie Pitcher Cade Horton Shines in Playoff Rotation Race
Cade Horton, the seventh overall pick in the 2022 draft from the University of Oklahoma, has become a key figure in the Chicago Cubs' playoff rotation. Horton, currently the Cubs' frontline rotation ace, has been delivering impressive performances that have significantly boosted the team's playoff prospects.
Horton's recent outing against the Blue Jays saw him allow only one hit and two walks while striking out a season-high eight batters in 5.2 innings. This performance, coupled with his 7-3 record and a strong 3.18 ERA over 79.1 innings, has been a major reason for the Cubs' potential success in holding onto a playoff spot.
Horton's impressive run includes five consecutive starts allowing one run or fewer and a recent run of four consecutive scoreless outings spanning 22.2 innings. His ERA has been particularly impressive at 1.13 since July, supported by excellent strikeout-to-walk ratios (34:13 over 40 innings).
The Cubs' management has shown confidence in Horton's long-term value as a potential ace, as they refused to trade him at the deadline despite interest in acquiring established starters like MacKenzie Gore or Joe Ryan. This decision highlights the importance of Horton to the team's future plans.
Assuming the Cubs can keep some gas in the tank for Horton, the Cubs' playoff rotation would likely go Matt Boyd and Shota Imanaga as the first two, with Jameson Taillon returning to the rotation next time and Horton filling in behind them. It is possible that Ben Brown and/or Colin Rea also help in relief.
The Cubs are currently 7 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central division. However, they are secure in a wild card spot. The team might skip Horton's turn in the rotation a few times to manage his workload, but his health and consistent high-quality starts will be key to maintaining the Cubs' competitiveness in the postseason race.
Javier Assad, who returned Tuesday night, allowed four earned runs to the Blue Jays. Meanwhile, Michael Soroka, recently acquired by the Cubs, went down with a shoulder injury and hit the injured list after just two innings.
In conclusion, Cade Horton's performance has been a major factor in the Cubs' playoff aspirations. As the team fights to hold onto a playoff spot, Horton's continued success will be crucial in their quest to make it to the postseason.
[1] Chicago Tribune
[2] ESPN
[3] MLB.com
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