CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs placed Cade Horton on the 15-day injured list on Saturday, sidelining the right-hander for their first-round playoff series against San Diego. Horton, one of the leading contenders for NL Rookie of the Year, has a right rib fracture. The IL move was made retroactive to Thursday.

The loss of Horton is a big blow for Chicago going into its first postseason appearance since 2020. The 24-year-old Horton, a first-round pick in the 2022 amateur draft, is 8-1 with a sparkling 1.03 ERA in 12 starts since the All-Star break. Horton threw on the field before the Cubs’ game against St. Louis on Saturday. He was slated to throw a bullpen session Sunday before the IL move was announced. Horton pitched three innings against the New York Mets on Tuesday before departing b

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