The Chicago Cubs have a plan for calling up their top pitching prospect as their lefty ace settles into a prolonged injury absence.

Top pitching prospect Cade Horton will be considered for the opening in the rotation, though the Chicago Cubs have not made any decisions on what route they might take.

The consistent message from the Cubs’ decision-makers about top pitching prospect Cade Horton has been that the righty needs to establish a foundation of health and performance with Triple-A Iowa before a promotion to Chicago could be discussed.