Less than a week ago, the Chicago Cubs clinched a playoff berth and looked like they were going to cruise to the top NL Wild Card spot. Five straight losses later, the Cubs are just 1.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres and are dealing with multiple health issues, with Rookie of the Year candidate Cade Horton the latest concern.

Horton was yanked after just three innings in Chicago's brutal 9-7 loss to the New York Mets on Tuesday. Horton left with the Cubs up 5-1, and that lead would grow to 6-1 before a bullpen collapse resulted in the fifth straight loss. It was unclear at first why the rookie was pulled early, but then it came out that he was dealing with back tightness and left the game as a precaution .

Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed this after the game and also ad

See Full Page