Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña has been diagnosed with a fractured rib after being hit by a pitch from Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs. The injury was initially undetected after the game, revealing itself only after further scans. Peña, who boasts a .322 batting average this season, will be placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to the injury date. As the team embarks on a six-game road trip, a corresponding roster move will be announced.

Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Cade Horton faced tough competition during his eighth start against the Houston Astros, resulting in an unfortunate outing. Although he had a solid 3.73 ERA coming into the game, he struggled early, allowing three runners in the first two innings but escaping unscathed. However, the third inning proved disastrous as he loaded the bases and gave up a sacrifice fly and a three-run homer to Yainer Diaz. By the end of the fourth inning, Horton had given up seven runs, raising his ERA to 4.80. Despite the setback, Cubs manager Craig Counsell remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of this experience for Horton, likening it to a playoff atmosphere. With the Cubs having traded Cam Smith to the Astros, the matchup held extra significance, showcasing the pressure of high-stakes games.

Cam Smith, a standout young talent, achieved a remarkable feat by making the Houston Astros' opening day roster at just 22 years old, following only 32 minor-league games. In a recent game against the Chicago Cubs, Smith made his mark by hitting a crucial three-run homer that contributed to a 7-4 victory. Expressing no bitterness towards the Cubs, who traded him for Kyle Tucker, Smith emphasized the importance of letting his performance speak for itself.

Despite a sluggish start to the season, hitting just .213 in April, Smith has rebounded significantly, boasting a .306 batting average and a .376 on-base percentage in his last 45 games. Meanwhile, rookie pitcher Cade Horton of the Cubs faced a challenging outing, giving up seven runs and eight hits in four innings. The Astros' victory not only showcases Smith's potential but also raises questions about the long-term implications of the trade for both teams.

Leonardo Bernal, a catching prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals, has been added to MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list at No. 100, following the graduation of Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton. This marks a return to three prospects on the Top 100 list for the Cardinals after Tink Hence's recent injury struggle. Bernal, 21, has been stellar for Double-A Springfield, boasting a .284 batting average with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs in just 51 games. His stats rank him among the top hitters in the Texas League, making him a candidate for the 40-man roster next season.

Bernal's ascent in the Cardinals' rankings has pushed him into the organization's top three prospects, overtaking Hence who has recently returned from injury. The Cardinals' catching depth is notable, featuring other promising talents such as Jimmy Crooks and Rainiel Rodriguez. With a strong performance, Bernal could influence the team's decision-making regarding their future catching assignments.

The Seattle Mariners are set to face off against the Chicago Cubs in a crucial interleague game this Friday at Wrigley Field. The Mariners, currently sitting at 37-36, are looking to bounce back after a recent 3-1 defeat to the Boston Red Sox, while the Cubs boast a strong 45-29 record and have won three of their last four games. Despite struggling on the road with a 17-17 record this season, the Mariners are hoping for a turnaround.

Chicago has a favorable history against Seattle, having won eight of their last ten encounters. As for betting odds, the Cubs are favored at -134, with an over/under set at 9.5 runs. Key players will include Cubs' righty Cade Horton, who is 3-1 this season with a 3.47 ERA, and Kyle Tucker, who is enjoying a hot streak at the plate. On the Mariners' side, George Kirby, despite a rocky start to the season, is fresh off a solid performance and will look to build on that.