Chicago Cubs fans were dealt a surprising blow this week when starting pitcher Matthew Boyd suffered an unexpected injury—not on the mound, but during a quiet moment at home with his kids. The left-hander will undergo surgery after injuring his left knee while sitting down and getting back up on Wednesday. An MRI later revealed a meniscus issue, leaving the team scrambling for answers.
"Obviously it's unexpected news," Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. "We're going to have to fill in around him, for sure. That's going to be our task." The 35-year-old Boyd has been placed on the 15-day injured list, just days after returning from a biceps strain that had sidelined him since April 22. In a cruel twist of fate, Boyd woke up Wednesday morning feeling healthy, only to have a routine family moment turn into a setback.
Boyd, who signed a two-year, $29 million contract with Chicago in December 2024, has been a key piece of the Cubs' rotation. He started on opening day and currently holds a 2-1 record with a 6.00 ERA. Last season, he was an NL All-Star, going 14-8 with a stellar 3.21 ERA in 31 starts while helping the Cubs reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020. His absence is a major blow for the NL Central-leading Cubs, who had won seven straight games and 17 of their last 20 heading into their matchup against the Cincinnati Reds.
The injury further thins a pitching staff already dealing with significant losses. Right-hander Cade Horton is out for the season after elbow surgery, and Justin Steele's return timeline remains uncertain after a setback in his recovery from an elbow injury. With Boyd's next scheduled start coming up on Friday, Counsell acknowledged the challenge ahead. "That spot comes up Friday," he said. "We're probably going to need to get creative."
One potential option is right-hander Javier Assad, who could slide into the rotation. The Cubs also called up right-hander Trent Thornton from Triple-A Iowa to fill Boyd's roster spot, while left-hander Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment. For a team riding high on momentum, this unexpected hurdle will test their depth and resilience as they look to maintain their lead in the division.
For now, Boyd and the Cubs are focused on recovery and next steps. As Counsell put it, "He's just trying to process it all and get the information from the doctors." Fans will be hoping for a speedy return for a pitcher who has been instrumental in Chicago's resurgence.