In the United States, the Chicago Cubs have started the 2026 MLB season with a disappointing record of 4-6, causing frustration among fans. They hoped to improve their performance as they faced the Tampa Bay Rays. However, the situation worsened significantly before the game when Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that Cade Horton, a potential future ace, would miss the entire season due to elbow surgery. Horton had exited his previous start with forearm discomfort, raising concerns about his health. This alarming news followed the earlier placement of Justin Steele on the injured list due to an undisclosed issue and Matthew Boyd landing on the 15-day IL with a biceps strain. The loss of Horton is particularly devastating for the Cubs, as he was anticipated to play a pivotal role in their pitching rotation. In the short span of the season, Horton managed only 7.1 innings with a commendable 2.46 ERA. His breakout performance in the previous season was promising, as he recorded an 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA across 118 innings and helped position the Cubs as strong contenders coming into the 2026 season. Without Horton, the Cubs must rely heavily on their remaining pitchers, including Javier Assad, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and possibly Ben Brown, who has had experience as a starter but has mainly served in the bullpen. They may also look to reinforce their rotation by considering free agents like Lucas Giolito and Frankie Montas. The combination of these critical injuries has left the pitching staff weakened and raises concerns about the team's aspirations for the World Series this year. As the Cubs continue their campaign, the urgency to stabilize their lineup becomes even more pressing, with fans hoping for a turnaround soon.