CHICAGO -- The way Cubs manager Craig Counsell phrased it, veteran lefty Matthew Boyd woke up on Wednesday morning as a healthy player. In a matter of hours, a fluke setback while at home created yet another obstacle for the North Siders to try to overcome in the weeks ahead.
Counsell announced prior to Wednesday’s game against the Reds that Boyd sustained a left meniscus injury while on the ground with his kids. The pitcher underwent an MRI that revealed the knee setback, which will require surgery in the coming days.
“It’s kind of unexplainable,” Counsell said.
Counsell added that the ballclub will know more about Boyd’s timetable for return after the surgery occurs (date to be determined). All the Cubs know at this moment is that the left-hander will be sidelined for a while, forcing the team to use the next few days to discuss how to address another hole in the rotation.
In the meantime, Boyd was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to Monday) and right-handed reliever Trent Thornton had his contract selected from Triple-A Iowa. In order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Thornton -- a veteran of seven MLB seasons added via a Minor League deal over the winter -- the Cubs designated lefty Charlie Barnes for assignment.
Boyd last started for the Cubs on Sunday, so his spot in the rotation comes around on Friday, when Chicago begins a three-game road series against the Rangers. Righty Javier Assad (currently in the bullpen) is the leading candidate to take over that spot, but Counsell said the team was still examining its options.
“I’m not even there yet,” Counsell said when asked who would replace Boyd in the rotation. “[We’ll] just kind of figure out after Thursday what we will do. There will be plans, but very loose plans.”
The 35-year-old Boyd was named the Cubs’ Opening Day starter this season after going 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA last year, when he was an All-Star and had his most innings (179 2/3), starts (31) and strikeouts (154) since 2019. In five starts so far this season, the lefty had a 6.00 ERA with 31 strikeouts against six walks in 24 innings.
Boyd already missed time on the IL from April 2-21 due to a left biceps strain, but had been regaining his form of late. In Sunday’s outing against the D-backs, the left-hander turned in a quality start, allowing two runs over six innings and helping Chicago clinch its 11th consecutive home win at the time.
Counsell chatted with Boyd on Wednesday and said the pitcher was “where anybody would be” mentally after such a frustrating injury.
“It happened very innocently,” Counsell said. “He’s just trying to process it and get all the information from the doctors and figure out what’s next.”
The setback with Boyd is just the latest in a growing list of injuries the Cubs have dealt with out of the gates this season.
Lefty Justin Steele (left elbow surgery in April 2025) recently had a setback in his comeback bid and is not a potential option until the second half. Cade Horton underwent season-ending surgery on his right elbow last month. Lefty Jordan Wicks has been on the IL due to a left forearm issue and has struggled recently (12 runs in his last two outings) in a rehab stint with Iowa.
Top prospect Jaxon Wiggins (No. 48 on Pipeline’s Top 100 list) is on the Minor League IL due to right elbow inflammation. Wiggins has resumed throwing in Arizona, but his timetable is unclear. The Minor League depth beyond Wiggins is also thin in terms of viable options in the immediate picture for the big league team.
And that is only a look at the rotation. The Cubs have had a pile of injuries that have impacted the bullpen as well.
“Obviously, it’s unexpected news,” Counsell said. “We’re going to have to fill in around him, for sure. That’s going to be our task.”
Right-hander Colin Rea (Wednesday’s starter) moved into the rotation after Horton went down. Assad helped out while Boyd was shelved previously and looks equipped to join Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera and Rea. There is also righty Ben Brown, but he has been a valuable multi-inning bridge arm for the relief corps.
Counsell said there is “no benefit” to wasting any mental energy wondering why the Cubs have been hit with another injury.
“This is an opportunity for somebody,” said the manager. “Through those opportunities, good things can happen. And that’s how you have to see it.”