Cubs Make a Key Decision on Matthew Boyd

Boyd made his lone rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Sunday. He surrendered three runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk while striking out two over four innings.

Boyd's return is an encouraging sight for Chicago's injury-plagued rotation. It is even more important considering he is expected to return ahead of the initial six-week recovery timeline.

On the season, Boyd is 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA across 24 innings in five starts. He has already endured two separate injury stints in 2026. After two starts, Boyd landed on the 15-day injured list with a left biceps strain in early April before reuniting briefly. He then landed back on the injured list due to the meniscus injury.

Boyd will likely take Jordan Wicks's spot in the rotation. Wicks, 26, has struggled greatly in his two starts for Chicago. He is 0-2 with a 15.63 ERA and 2.21 WHIP across 6.1 innings. Opponents are batting .406 against the young left-hander.

In an NL Central loaded with stars such as Paul Skenes, Jacob Misiorowski, and Chase Burns, the Cubs need Boyd to regain his 2025 form.

Last season, Boyd earned his first career All-Star selection. Across 31 starts, he went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over 179.2 innings. He struck out 154 batters while issuing just 42 walks.

A return to that level of production would be a huge boost for a Cubs team that currently sits at 32-28 and tied for third in a crowded NL Central. Chicago is also in a three-way tie for the third and final National League Wild Card spot.

The Cubs have lost seven of their last ten games and will begin a six-game homestand against the Athletics on Tuesday following Monday's off day.