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Tuesday is the official start of the MLB playoffs. Over the next 30 hours, the final picture will become clearer… because at the moment, there are still several unconfirmed elements.
However, one first-round duel has already been decided, as the Cubs and Padres face off in a 2-of-3 series over the next few days. The two teams are still battling it out to see who gets home field advantage, but we know they're going to play each other.
That said, the Cubs got some very bad news today: the club will be deprived of a very big piece for this series.
We're talking about Cade Horton, the club's rookie starter who's having quite a season.
The pitcher has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a fractured rib. As a result, he won't be able to return until game #5 of a potential Division Series involving the Cubs.
Cubs place RHP Cade Horton on the 15-day IL with a right rib fracture. pic.twitter.com/MVH1wWWp95
– MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2025
It's a particularly tough blow for the Cubs in light of the fact that Horton has really emerged as one of the best pitchers in the Majors since the All-Star break. His 1.03 ERA since then is the best in the majors.
There's a reason he's on track to be named National Rookie of the Year, you know.
The Cubs will therefore have to bet big on Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon for the first round. And if the club holds the fort, Horton could come on as a backup later in the playoffs.
Putting him on the injured list means he can't come back for a while… but it also allows the club to bring in reinforcements to finish the regular schedule. If Horton won't be back for another 15 days anyway, we might as well get an extra arm to try and give ourselves home advantage.
So it's a blow to Chicago, and we'll have to see if Horton gets a chance to come back in the playoffs. But for that to happen, he'll need his teammates to step up in his absence.
This content was created with the help of AI.
