Chicago Cubs: Matthew Boyd Shares Great Recovery Update

The Chicago Cubs have endured a challenging start to their 2026 season, marked by a series of injuries that have disrupted their plans. However, there is now a glimmer of hope as veteran pitcher Matthew Boyd begins his recovery from a recent injury.

On Friday, at Rate Field, the Cubs faced off against their crosstown rivals, the Chicago White Sox. This game came on the heels of Boyd's surgery, which was performed to repair a partial meniscus tear he sustained while playing with his children. Initially, it was expected that Boyd would be sidelined until after the All-Star break. However, as his rehabilitation progresses, the outlook has become more optimistic.

Boyd shared his positive experience during a recent interview:

“I’m feeling stronger than I was before,” Boyd said. “It feels better every single day…It’s been awesome in that sense. Luckily, throwing’s been normal. Two days after, we were doing normal throws. Rehab is consisting of different squats, going through the agility portions and all those things about, just, loading it and making sure there’s no compensations. It feels great now. Honestly, I’m feeling stronger than I was before, which is kind of crazy. So, that’s a blessing.”

Cubs manager Craig Counsell echoed Boyd's optimism:

“It’s been a really good first week,” Counsell told media. “He’s doing everything a little bit more effortlessly and pain free than was expected. He’ll see the doctor at the end of the weekend here, and we’ll see what’s next. But I think he’s going to progress at a pretty good pace. So far, we’ve gotten all good news from him.”

Despite Boyd's struggles this season, where he has posted a 6.00 ERA through five starts, his return is crucial for the Cubs' starting rotation. The team has already dealt with the loss of emerging ace Cade Horton, who is out for the season following elbow surgery.

Last year, Boyd proved to be a valuable addition to the Cubs, delivering a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA over 179.2 innings. He was also named to his first All-Star team and earned the honor of Opening Day starter for the Cubs this season.

In addition to Boyd's recovery, there are signs that former ace Justin Steele may soon return to action. Steele suffered a flexor strain in his left elbow while rehabbing from last year’s elbow surgery. His potential return would add significant depth to the Cubs' starting rotation.

With both Boyd and Steele expected to be healthy for the second half of the season, the Cubs' starting five could include Boyd, Steele, an improved Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon. Additionally, capable swingmen like Ben Brown, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad could provide further support. There is even the possibility that the front office may look to trade for a quality starter to strengthen the rotation.

While there are still many uncertainties regarding the team's starting pitching, the pieces are beginning to come together. The Cubs are clearly working towards building a strong and resilient pitching staff for the remainder of the season.