Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd is set to undergo surgery after suffering a freak knee injury while spending time with his children. An MRI revealed a meniscus issue in his left leg, and Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed that the team is uncertain how long the left-hander will be sidelined.
How the Injury Happened
Counsell explained that Boyd injured himself on Wednesday in a seemingly innocent manner. While sitting down with his kids and then getting back up, he felt discomfort. The pitcher has four young children with his partner Ashley. 'It happened very innocently, and he woke up this morning a healthy player,' the manager said. 'So he's just trying to kind of process it... and get all the information from the doctors and figure out what's next.'
Not the First Bizarre Baseball Injury
Boyd is not the first baseball player to suffer an unusual injury. In 2023, former Giants star Anthony DeSclafani hurt his toe while playing piano with his son, while Marty Cordova once missed games after falling asleep in a tanning bed and suffering sunburn.
Boyd was placed on the 15-day injured list before Chicago's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Right-hander Trent Thornton was called up from Triple-A Iowa, and left-hander Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment.
Impact on the Cubs
The 35-year-old Boyd, who started for the Cubs on opening day, holds a 2-1 record with a 6.00 ERA. He was activated from the 15-day IL on April 22 after recovering from a biceps strain. '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.'
The loss of Boyd is a significant blow for the NL Central-leading Chicago team, which had won seven consecutive games and 17 of their last 20 before facing Cincinnati. The Cubs were already without right-hander Cade Horton, who is out for the season due to elbow surgery. Justin Steele is expected to return at some point this year, but his timeline remains uncertain after a setback in his recovery from an elbow injury.
Contract and Performance
Boyd agreed to a $29 million, two-year contract with Chicago in December 2024. He went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, earning an NL All-Star selection and helping the Cubs reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
With Boyd out, Javier Assad could move into the rotation at some point. However, Counsell said he wasn't sure how the Cubs would cover Boyd's next scheduled start. 'That spot comes up Friday,' Counsell said. 'We're probably not going to make plans for it and just kind of figure out where, when we get to, after Thursday, kind of what we do. I mean, there will be plans, but very loose plans.'
The Cubs could get bullpen help this month. Relievers Caleb Thielbar and Hunter Harvey are both expected to throw a full bullpen session on Friday, Counsell said. Thielbar is on the IL with a left hamstring strain, and Harvey is returning from right triceps inflammation.
