The Chicago Cubs' pitching staff has been dealt a significant blow, with top prospect Cade Horton facing an extended absence. Manager Craig Counsell announced Friday that the right-hander is expected to miss 15 to 16 months following season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow.

Horton, 24, underwent an ulnar collateral ligament revision procedure on Thursday. This marks his second major reconstructive surgery on the elbow, having previously undergone Tommy John surgery in 2021 while at the University of Oklahoma. For a young pitcher with such a promising future—he finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting last season—this is a challenging setback in his career.

Counsell shared Horton's mindset, noting the pitcher is focused on taking the recovery one day at a time. "Cade talked about just worrying about today and making today the best you can," Counsell said. "That’s how you somehow speed this process along a little bit. But if you get too far ahead of yourself, it’s certainly a long recovery."

The injury occurred abruptly during a start in Cleveland on April 3. Horton's velocity noticeably dipped before he exited after just 17 pitches, a stark contrast to his strong season debut a week earlier where he held the Nationals to two runs over 6 1/3 innings.

Compounding the Cubs' bullpen concerns, reliever Daniel Palencia has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained left oblique. Palencia had been a bright spot early this season, not allowing a run in five appearances. His absence for the next few weeks further tests the team's pitching depth as they navigate a tough stretch without key arms.