Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd is facing surgery for a meniscus injury in his left knee, and the timeline for his return is still unclear. Manager Craig Counsell shared this news with reporters, noting that Boyd has been placed on the 15-day injured list. To fill his spot, the Cubs called up right-hander Trent Thornton and designated left-hander Charlie Barnes for assignment.
This injury caught everyone off guard. Boyd had a strong outing just last Sunday, pitching six innings against the Diamondbacks. He first felt something was wrong while playing with his kids, which led to an MRI revealing the meniscus issue. Until the surgery is done, fans will be left in suspense about how long Boyd will be out.
The Cubs are already dealing with their share of injury woes. Cade Horton is out for the season after Tommy John surgery, and Justin Steele’s return from elbow surgery is now delayed due to a recent flexor strain. This means key spots in their rotation are wide open at a crucial time in the season.
Initially, Boyd was part of a starting rotation that included Horton, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga. But following Boyd’s earlier bicep strain and Horton’s surgery, the team shifted Colin Rea from the bullpen to the rotation and called up Javier Assad from the minors. When Boyd recovered, Assad was moved back to the bullpen.
With Boyd scheduled to miss his next start on Friday, it’s unclear who will step in. Assad could be called upon again, but he hasn’t pitched much lately. His last start was in mid-April, followed by limited appearances in relief.
Another possible option is Doug Nikhazy, currently on optional assignment, though he has struggled in recent Triple-A outings. Other candidates like Ty Blach, Connor Noland, Paul Campbell, and Will Sanders have not distinguished themselves either, posting ERAs above 6.00.
Injuries are a common challenge in baseball, serving as a reminder of the sport’s physical toll. Teams often have to adapt quickly, and the Cubs are no exception. With Boyd’s absence, it’ll be interesting to see how the Cubs adjust and who steps up in his place.
For more updates on player injuries and team news, check out trusted sources like ESPN or MLB.com.
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