Russ Dorsey isn't panicking about Cubs despite injuries, stagnant offense (Hour 4)

Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show42mApril 7, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show, host Russ Dorsey, MLB insider and podcast host, joins the panel to discuss the Chicago Cubs' early-season struggles, particularly the injury to starting pitcher Cade Horton, who is reportedly seeing Dr. Keith Meister—a red flag for potential Tommy John or UCL revision surgery. Dorsey emphasizes that losing two starters in 72 hours is a major blow, especially with Horton projected as a Cy Young candidate, but he downplays panic over the Cubs' stagnant offense, noting it's only 10 games into the season and that the team has shown signs of improvement. He argues that the Cubs' biggest challenge is maintaining pitching depth, citing the need for 10–12 starters in today’s MLB, and suggests that internal options like Jackson Wiggins and Justin Steele (returning in June) will be crucial. The discussion also turns to the White Sox, where Dorsey critiques their use of Grant Taylor as a frequent opener, calling it a bullpen-driven strategy that isn’t sustainable long-term. He expresses disappointment that the Sox didn’t call up top prospect Sam Antonacci after Austin Hayes’ hamstring strain, suggesting it’s a missed opportunity for immediate impact. Despite early struggles, Dorsey remains cautiously optimistic about both teams, stressing that the season is long and that development and health will ultimately determine success.

Key Takeaways
1

The Cubs need 10–12 starters to survive a 162-game season; losing two early in the year is a major challenge.

2

Cade Horton’s potential UCL surgery or Tommy John could sideline him for the rest of the season, making pitching depth critical.

3

The Cubs’ offense isn’t a panic point yet—10 games in is too early to judge—but they must improve in high-leverage situations.

4

Nico Hoerner should bat leadoff to maximize his on-base ability and set up power hitters like Ian Happ and Alex Bregman.

5

The White Sox’s opener strategy with Grant Taylor is a short-term fix for bullpen shortages, not a sustainable long-term plan.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Sponsor Intro & Early Season Injuries

The episode opens with a sponsor message from Menards, followed by a discussion of Cade Horton’s potential injury and the implications for the Cubs' rotation. Russ Dorsey sets the tone by explaining the gravity of a player seeing Dr. Keith Meister, a specialist known for Tommy John surgeries.

5:00
5 min

Cade Horton’s Injury & Cubs’ Pitching Crisis

You're talking about the remainder of the season. And for a guy that was a sleeper Cy Young candidate for some guys, a guy that you looked at and said, OK, coming off of what he did last year, he could be the best starter in the Cubs rotation this year. It's a big time gut punch for the Cubs.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

The Reality of MLB’s 10–12 Starter Model

The panel discusses the modern necessity of having 10–12 starting pitchers due to injuries and workload management. Dorsey compares the Cubs’ situation to the Atlanta Braves, who lost their entire rotation before opening day, highlighting the fragility of modern pitching staffs.

15:00
5 min

Offense vs. Pitching: What’s the Bigger Concern?

I'm not concerned about it to the point where I think that's more important than losing two starters.

Highlight
20:00
5 min

Lineup Optimization & the Need for Run Production

The Cubs have had 85 at-bats with runners in scoring position this season. They have 23 hits, 269. That's not a bad batting average. 19 of those 23 hits have been singles.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
You're talking about the remainder of the season. And for a guy that was a sleeper Cy Young candidate for some guys, a guy that you looked at and said, OK, coming off of what he did last year, he could be the best starter in the Cubs rotation this year. It's a big time gut punch for the Cubs.
Russ Dorsey3:12
Viral: 85.0
Narrow the focus, broaden the appeal.
Russ Dorsey41:14
Viral: 80.0
I'm not concerned about it to the point where I think that's more important than losing two starters.
Russ Dorsey10:29
Viral: 75.0
Speakers

Hosts

RahimiHarrisGrote

Guest

Russ Dorsey
Topics Discussed
Cubs Starting Pitching Injuries90%MLB Pitching Depth Requirements85%White Sox Opener Strategy80%Lineup Optimization75%Cubs Offense Performance75%Minor League Development70%Sports Fandom & Generational Shifts65%Video Games & Sports Learning60%
People & Brands

Russ Dorsey

person

45xPositive

Chicago Cubs

other

35xMixed

White Sox

other

20xMixed

Cade Horton

person

12xNegative

Milwaukee Brewers

other

8xPositive

Grant Taylor

person

7xNeutral

Dr. Keith Meister

person

6xNegative

Sam Antonacci

person

6xPositive

Alex Bregman

person

5xPositive

Chuck

person

4xPositive

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