Cubs' Doubleheader Postponed Amid Rain, Injury Concerns The Chicago Cubs faced a series of challenges as their scheduled doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians on April 4, 2026, was postponed due to rain. The storm, which arrived in Cleveland on Saturday evening, disrupted the team’s plans for the traditional twin bill, originally set to begin at 12:10 p.m. CT on Sunday at Progressive Field. The postponement provided the Cubs additional time to evaluate their pitching options for the rescheduled games, which would feature righty Edward Cabrera in Game 1 and lefty Shota Imanaga in Game 2. The Cubs’ rotation was already under pressure after Cade Horton, a key starter, exited Friday’s game early due to right forearm discomfort. Horton’s injury forced the team to place him on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain, leaving a critical gap in their starting lineup. Manager Craig Counsell has not yet officially named Horton’s replacement, but veteran Colin Rea is emerging as a leading candidate. Rea, who previously served as a reliever before being moved to the rotation in 2025, has shown resilience in his career, including a strong September 2025 stretch with a 2.63 ERA and a 1.17 ERA in three playoff games. To bolster their depth, the Cubs promoted righty Ethan Roberts as the 27th man for the doubleheader and recalled lefty Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa. Martin, who participated in Saturday’s workout in Cleveland, added another layer to the team’s pitching options. However, the uncertainty surrounding Horton’s injury and the need for a reliable starter for the team’s next game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday complicated the decision-making process. The Cubs’ bullpen and minor league system also played a role in addressing the depth concerns.#chicago_cubs #cade_horton #cleveland_guardians #colin_rea #progressive_field
Chicago Cubs Face Challenges with Cade Horton's Injury and Prospect Development Cade Horton, the Cubs' prized young pitcher, suffered a right forearm injury during a game against the Cleveland Guardians on April 3, 2026, forcing him to leave the game in the second inning. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season, with both Horton and manager Craig Counsell expressing cautious optimism. While initial reports suggested the injury might not require surgery, the team’s medical staff remains cautious, given Horton’s history of forearm issues. The loss of Horton, who was a key part of the rotation, has left the Cubs scrambling to adjust their plans for the rest of the season. The Cubs’ lineup faced additional challenges as the team’s opener against the Guardians ended in a loss, overshadowed by Horton’s injury. The game was postponed due to weather on April 4, further complicating the team’s schedule. With Horton sidelined, the Cubs are expected to make a roster move, likely calling up left-handed pitcher Riley Martin from the Iowa Cubs. Martin, who has shown promise in the minors, could provide a temporary solution as the team navigates this setback. The Cubs’ farm system has also seen notable performances from its prospects. Kevin Alcantara, a standout at Iowa, has been on a tear, hitting home runs in consecutive games and drawing comparisons to a “bona fide heater.” Similarly, Pedro Ramirez and BJ Murray have added to the excitement, with Ramirez’s breakout season at Double-A and Murray’s recent contributions. James Triantos and Jefferson Rojas also made headlines with their home runs, though their performances were overshadowed by the team’s struggles in the majors.#cade_horton #cleveland_guardians #craig_counsell #iowa_cubs #riley_martin
Cade Horton Injured, Cubs Face Uncertain Future Cade Horton, the Chicago Cubs' right-handed pitcher, suffered a forearm injury during Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, forcing him to leave the contest in the second inning. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season, with both Horton and manager Craig Counsell expressing cautious optimism. While initial reports suggested the injury might not be as severe as feared, the Cubs’ medical team is still assessing the extent of the damage. The injury comes at a critical juncture for the Cubs, who had relied heavily on Horton’s performance to bolster their rotation. His absence could significantly impact the team’s chances of competing in the National League Central. The Cubs are now looking to Colin Rea, a promising prospect, to step into the rotation. Rea, who has shown potential in the minors, is being considered as a possible replacement, though his readiness for a major league role remains uncertain. Horton’s injury also complicates the Cubs’ plans for the upcoming season. The team had hoped to build on their recent success, having bounced back from a losing streak with a win against the Guardians. However, the loss of their key pitcher has shifted the focus to managing the injury and preparing for the challenges ahead. The Cubs’ front office is reportedly evaluating options for long-term solutions, including potential trades or roster adjustments. The injury has sparked discussions about the Cubs’ depth and their ability to sustain success without key players. Prospect James Triantos, who has been performing well in the minors, is being highlighted as a potential future asset. His recent two-homer game has drawn attention, but the team’s immediate needs remain centered on stabilizing the rotation.#cubs #cade_horton #cleveland_guardians #craig_counsell #colin_rea
Spring Training Game Thread #28: Milwaukee Brewers (12-15) @ Chicago Cubs (12-16) The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs are set to play their final spring training game of the season on March 26, 2026, with the Brewers’ Chad Patrick scheduled to start. This matchup marks the conclusion of the team’s spring slate before they head to Milwaukee for exhibition games against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday and Tuesday. Opening Day for the 2026 season is scheduled for Thursday, when the Chicago White Sox will open a four-game series in Milwaukee. Patrick, who will make his last spring start, is entering the regular season as a rotation candidate after a solid rookie season in 2025. However, his spring performance has been less than ideal, with a 9.72 ERA and nine runs allowed over 8 1/3 innings. Six of those runs came in his previous start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he lasted 3 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and four walks. Peter Strzelecki is expected to pitch behind Patrick in the Brewers’ rotation. The Cubs’ starting pitcher, Cade Horton, is also coming off a strong rookie season. He has posted a 5.91 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 10 2/3 innings this spring. The Brewers’ lineup against Horton will feature several minor leaguers, as major league players travel to Milwaukee for the upcoming games. The top of the order includes Dylan O’Rae, Jeferson Quero, and Mike Boeve, followed by Marco Dinges, Eric Brown Jr., and Jacob Hurtubise. Dasan Brown, Juan Baez, and Luis Castillo round out the batting order. The game is scheduled to start at 2:05 p.m. Central Time, with live coverage available on Brewers.TV and nationally on ESPN Unlimited. The Brewers’ schedule continues with exhibition games against the Reds, followed by the opening series against the White Sox.#chicago_cubs #milwaukee_brewers #chad_patterson #cade_horton #dylan_orae
