The MLB Playoffs have a way of reshaping themselves in the final 72 hours, and the Cubs just felt that reality hit square in the ribs — literally. Chicago will enter the NL Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres without one of the arms that helped stabilize their summer, a late twist that forces Craig Counsell to redraw his October blueprint. For San Diego, it doesn’t guarantee anything, but it does tilt the early-game matchups in their favor.
Cade Horton’s absence isn’t just a missing name on the lineup card; it’s a different style of game.