Cubs sending Horton to Triple-A Iowa

NEW YORK -- Right-hander Cade Horton, the No. 2 prospect in the Cubs organization according to MLB Pipeline, is a step closer to the big leagues. He was promoted from Double-A Tennessee to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. The news was first reported by the Des Moines Register.

Horton, 22, dominated with Tennessee, allowing two earned runs in 16 1/3 innings with 18 strikeouts and two walks. Horton is known to throw a four-seam fastball, and he has an impressive sharp slider and changeup.

Cubs assistant general manager Jared Banner, who was the vice president of player development before his promotion in January, is not surprised by Horton’s success.

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“He can be aggressive, but he doesn’t walk people at the same time,” Banner said. “He's not forcing the case. He's attacking the zone and getting some quick outs as well. It’s a strong combination when your stuff is good enough to play in and out of the strike zone.

“Cade is extremely diligent with his preparation. He is very hard working both on the field and in the gym. He is a great teammate and, on top of that, he has a really strong arm, great aptitude in terms of pitchability and how to get people out.”

What do the Cubs want to see from Horton while he is pitching for Iowa? They want to see him refine his craft on the mound.

“We want him to continue to throw a lot of strikes, miss a lot of bats and get a little deeper into some games," Banner said. “We've been pretty conservative with him. As the season ramps up a little more, we will continue to challenge him, and I’m sure he will respond well.”