Overview

• Horton exited after three innings against the Mets with back tightness, and the team characterized the move as precautionary.
• Manager Craig Counsell said Horton had been sick in recent days, and the combination of illness and back tightness prompted the early hook.
• Horton said stiffness and breathing issues surfaced between innings and he emphasized the decision aimed to avoid jeopardizing next week.
• Counsell said on local radio that Horton was scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday, indicating evaluation is ongoing ahead of rotation decisions.
• If healthy, the schedule could set Horton up for Game 1 or 2 of the best‑of‑three series, with left-handers Matthew Boyd or Shota Imanaga positioned as alternatives if extra rest is needed.