Thursday was our first day of multiple double-digit strikeout performances (3‑J.T. Ginn, Ryan Bergert, and Ian Seymour), but it was Cade Horton looking like 2023 stealing the show.
Horton’s dynasty stock took a hit after shoulder issues sapped his velocity and shortened his 2024 to just eight starts, but Horton’s fastball seems back. Before rain and arm fatigue chased him out of the 4th, Horton’s fastball 97 mph on the regular. The fastball earned 8 whiffs on 15 swings (53%) and a 41 CSW%. The first three innings’ 40 pitches lacked noncompetitive offerings. Horton’s two-pitch game efficiently mowed through a good AAA lineup. In total, he threw 59 pitches (61 strk%) across 15 batters faced. A stark contrast in this fastball game compared to yesterday’s Chase Petty look. If health and horsepower start to prove themselves, look for Horton to start getting “elite prospect” praise from the dynasty world again.