MILWAUKEE – The timing of rookie Cade Horton‘s trip to the injured list shortly before the postseason left the possibility open that he might be able to return if the National League Division Series went the distance. Cubs manager Craig Counsell officially ruled that out on Friday.
During the Cubs’ workout day at American Family Field, Counsell announced that Horton would not be activated during the NLDS clash with the rival Brewers. Sidelined with a right rib fracture, Horton will have to hope the North Siders advance to the NL Championship Series to extend hopes of a comeback this year.
“He feels good,” Counsell said on Friday. “We’re encouraging healing right now, so we’re not doing anything that would cause pain. We haven’t pushed him to a place that we would test that. I think as we get into later this week, we’re going to have to decide if it’s time to do that, and that decision has not been made yet.”
Horton was placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to Sept. 25, making him first eligible for activation ahead of a potential Game 5 on Oct. 11 against Milwaukee. But since rosters are set before each round, Horton would have to be added as an injury replacement. Either way, Counsell threw cold water on that scenario.
As things stand, the Cubs plan on handing the ball to veteran lefty Matthew Boyd for Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday, but have not announced any other probable starters. Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon would be lined up for Games 2-3 based on them pitching in Game 2 and 3, respectively, in the Wild Card Series.
If the NLDS enters into the “if necessary” territory, it’s possible Counsell sticks with Boyd and Imanaga for Game 4 and Game 5. Righty Colin Rea – in the bullpen for the Wild Card Series – would also be a starting option for Chicago.
Horton enjoyed a standout rookie campaign, going 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 23 outings, seeing his NL Rookie of the Year stock as the season wore on. The righty had a brilliant second half, including a 1.03 ERA that led all MLB pitches (min. 50 innings).
Counsell noted that Horton has been playing catch, but he has not yet been pushed beyond throwing on flat ground. Prior to landing on the IL, Horton felt discomfort when increasing the intensity of his throws and the Cubs made the call to shelve him and provide ample time to prioritize rest and healing.
Asked if Horton might be an option should the Cubs advance to the NL Championship Series, Counsell said it remained unclear.
“It’d be pretty aggressive,” said the manager. “If he was [available], it would not be in, certainly, a bulk situation. It would be shorter.”
TUCKER COULD RETURN TO RIGHT IN NLDS
Cubs All-Star Kyle Tucker missed three-plus weeks in September due to a left calf strain, but managed to return for the final homestand as a designated hitter. Tucker remained in the DH role for the entirety of the NL Wild Card Series, going 3-for-11 against the Padres.
During Friday’s workout, Counsell said the Cubs were “getting close” to having Tucker potentially ready to return to the outfield. It is likely that Seiya Suzuki will remain in right field for Game 1 on Saturday in Milwaukee, but Tucker’s improvement with his running could make him an option to play the field later in the series.
