CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd returned Wednesday after being sidelined by a strained left biceps.

Boyd was activated from the 15-day injured list and reliever Luke Little was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. The 35-year-old Boyd was slated to take the mound against Philadelphia for his third start of the season.

“I feel like he's in really good shape,” manager Craig Counsell said. “I mean he's been feeling really good for the last 12 probably days where we're in a great shape.”

The Cubs had won a season-high seven in a row going into the matchup with the Phillies. They entered with a 2.25 ERA during the win streak.

Boyd started on opening day against Washington, allowing six runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings in a 10-4 loss. But he rebounded with a strong performance against the Los Angeles Angels on April 1, striking out 10 in 5 2/3 innings in a 6-2 victory.

Boyd went on the IL on April 6. He made one rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, allowing three runs and four hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Boyd agreed to a $29 million, two-year contract with Chicago in December 2024. He went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, making the NL All-Star team and helping the Cubs reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.