Why Cubs manager Craig Counsell pulled Cade Horton after five no-hit innings

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton throws against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Chicago.Cubs right-hander Cade Horton still hadn’t allowed a hit when he reached his workload limit.

In the Cubs’ 5-1 Wednesday loss to the Braves, Horton’s last pitch was a top-rail fastball that Ha-Seong Kim whiffed on for strike three and the last out of the fifth inning.

He had thrown 75 pitches, marking the end of his start.

Then the Cubs bullpen took over and blew the Cubs’ one-run lead, as the offense fell flat.

The Cubs are managing Horton’s workload down the stretch, in an effort to keep him healthy and pitching well through the rest of the…