Matthew Boyd Returns Wednesday and the Cubs Are Banking on Him to Stabilize a Shaky Rotation
Matthew Boyd is coming back. After three weeks on the shelf with a biceps strain, the Cubs All-Star left-hander will take the mound Wednesday against Philadelphia, manager Craig Counsell confirmed Tuesday. And honestly, Chicago could not need him more right now.
Boyd's Been All Over the Place This Season
The numbers tell the story. Boyd is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA through two starts, and it has been rough. Back on March 26 in the opener against Washington, he got shelled for six runs in just 3⅔ innings. Not ideal. But then he bounced back beautifully, surrendering only one earned run while striking out 10 across 5⅔ innings against Los Angeles on April 1. Right when things looked like they were clicking, he hit the injured list.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiThe 35-year-old was named an All-Star for the first time last season in his first year with the Cubs, and he backed it up. Over 31 starts and 179⅔ innings in 2025, Boyd went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA. That is the kind of consistency you count on.
The Cubs Are Dealing With More Injury Headaches
Boyd is not the only Cubs pitcher fighting through health issues. Closer Daniel Palencia took an MRI that confirmed a mild left lat strain, landing him on the 15-day IL retroactive to April 14. Counsell says he is responding well though, and could start throwing as soon as later this week with a return to action potentially coming in early May. For what it is worth, Palencia has been solid so far: 1-0 with one save and a spotless ERA across five innings.
Then there is reliever Porter Hodge, who underwent reconstructive right elbow surgery Monday that included a brace. That one is a long road ahead. The Cubs are looking at a 12 to 14 month recovery timeline.
Boyd's return Wednesday cannot come soon enough. With the rotation banged up and the bullpen dealing with injuries, every healthy arm matters. Let's see if he can find that early April form and give Chicago the stability it needs.
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