CLEVELAND — Chicago Cubs right-hander Cade Horton exited Friday’s start against the Cleveland Guardians with right forearm discomfort.

Horton left the game mid at-bat in the second inning and immediately headed into the clubhouse. He quickly signaled to the Cubs dugout following a 1-0 pitch to Bo Naylor, prompting a visit from manager Craig Counsell and head trainer Nick Frangella. The last pitch Horton threw, a 93.8-mph fastball, notably was nearly 2 mph below his average fastball velocity.

Horton, 24, was stellar in his season debut Saturday at Wrigley Field. He held the Washington Nationals to two runs and four hits in 6 1/3 innings, efficiently using 75 pitches to get into the seventh while walking one and striking out four.

Forearm discomfort is a concerning initial diagnosis for one of the Cubs’ top starters. They have options to fill in for Horton, though losing him for any time would be a blow. Veteran right-hander Colin Rea took over for Horton in the second, and right-hander Ben Brown also could slot into the rotation, depending on Horton’s prognosis.

The Cubs also will have left-hander Justin Steele returning in late May or June; he is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list May 24.

Horton finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting last year, going 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 23 outings (22 starts).

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