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Chicago Cubs ‘quiet ace’ proving essential to team’s success

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Tyler Koerth | Last updated May 6, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs starting rotation has been hit by injury this year, especially their top two pitchers as Justin Steele is out for the year and Shota Imanaga recently landed on the injured list with a hamstring strain. Along with Steel and Imanaga, Javier Assad began the year injured, suffered a setback in his recovery, and at best won’t be back until June.

With all the injuries, Colin Rea has stepped into the rotation alongside Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Ben Brown. Of this group, Boyd has been the team’s quiet ace and has proven to be essential to the team’s success.

Chicago Cubs “quiet ace” Matthew Boyd has been essential to the team’s success

MLB: San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs MLB: San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs

As of May 6, Boyd leads the starting rotation in ERA (2.75) and strikeouts (37). Throughout his seven outings he has not allowed more than three earned runs in a game while always covering at least five innings. His consistently good performances have kept the Cubs in every game that he has pitched and he’s proved to be one of the most reliable arms on the staff so far this season.

Matthew Boyd’s success will be key for the Cubs going forward

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks MLB: Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks Mar 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) throws a pitch in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images

As the Cubs fight to stay atop the National League Central division, while managing injuries to Steele, Imanaga, and Assad, Boyd’s ability to continually deliver steady and quality starts will be crucial. When healthy, he has the track record to to be a dependable presence every fifth day, which positions him to be a major factor going forward in Chicago sustaining their early season momentum and success.

The emergence of Boyd as the team’s “quiet ace” and stabilizing force in their rotation shouldn’t be overlooked. However, Chicago is going to need him to continue to deliver at this level. With all the injuries in the rotation, his consistency could be the difference between staying in the division race or slipping in the standings.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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