CHICAGO -- The Cubs placed right-hander Cade Horton on the 15-day injured list Saturday because of a rib fracture, the team announced, eliminating any chance of him pitching in the wild-card round next week.

Horton, 24, initially injured himself coughing while ill last week in Cincinnati. He left his last start Tuesday after two innings.

Imaging showed an issue in his back/rib area, but the Cubs thought they could move forward despite the ailment. Horton played catch Friday and Saturday before the Cubs said he would be put on the injured list.

Horton had emerged as the Cubs' best starter despite being a rookie. He was 8-1 with a 1.03 ERA in 12 second-half starts before leaving his final outing early on Tuesday against the Mets. He is the favorite to win the National League Rookie of

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