Overview

• Horton’s injury is a right rib fracture confirmed by the team after he left his Sept. 23 start with back tightness following a recent illness and cough.
• The move rules the 24-year-old out of the best-of-three Wild Card series against the Padres, and he cannot be reinstated before Oct. 10.
• Postseason rules prevent adding players mid-series except for an MLB-approved injury replacement, limiting any quick return even if eligible.
• The Cubs recalled left-hander Jordan Wicks to fill the roster spot as they rework October pitching plans; Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd are lined up to open the Wild Card round, per reports.
• Horton’s breakout rookie season includes an 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA and a 1.03 ERA since the All-Star break, though rib fractures have historically sidelined pitchers for weeks to months.