The Cubs are placing left-handed starter Matthew Boyd on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 3) with a left biceps strain and are recalling right-handed pitcher Javier Assad, the club announced Monday afternoon. Assad will start on Tuesday against the Rays in St. Petersburg.
Boyd had a 6.75 ERA in two starts this year, inflated by struggles on Opening Day when he allowed six runs in 3 2/3 innings. He bounced back last Wednesday against the Angels, striking out 10 and allowing only one earned run (two total) across 5 2/3 innings.
Boyd, 35, earned his first career All-Star selection in 2025 while pitching 179 2/3 innings, the most in his career since 185 1/3 in 2019.
Monday’s news is a tough blow for Boyd, who has dealt with myriad injuries over 12 seasons, but also for the Cubs, who placed young phenom Cade Horton on the IL over the weekend with a right forearm strain.
Assad joins the Cubs this week after two starts at Triple-A Iowa, recording a 9.00 ERA in seven innings. He made eight appearances (seven starts) for Chicago in 2025 to the tune of a 3.65 ERA.