Trending Now - Matthew Boyd to Have Surgery for Unexpected Meniscus Injury

WHO:

MLB.com - Cubs manager Craig Counsell stated that Boyd was "where anybody would be" mentally after the injury.

MLB.com - Matthew Boyd, a left-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.

MLB.com - Craig Counsell, manager of the Chicago Cubs.

MLB Trade Rumors - Trent Thornton, right-handed reliever selected to replace Boyd on the roster.

MLB Trade Rumors - Charlie Barnes, left-handed pitcher designated for assignment by the Cubs.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Boyd's injury was described as a "fluke setback" that occurred while he was on the ground with his kids.

MLB Trade Rumors - Boyd's injury will require surgery, and his timeline for return is expected to be longer than a minimum stint on the injured list.

MLB.com - Boyd was named the Cubs’ Opening Day starter this season after going 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA last year, when he was an All-Star and had his most innings (179 2/3), starts (31), and strikeouts (154) since 2019.

MLB.com - In five starts so far this season, Boyd had a 6.00 ERA with 31 strikeouts against six walks in 24 innings.

MLB Trade Rumors - Righty Javier Assad is the leading candidate to take over Boyd's spot in the rotation.

MLB.com - Boyd's injury is part of a growing list of injuries the Cubs have dealt with this season, including lefty Justin Steele's setback in his comeback bid and Cade Horton's season-ending surgery on his right elbow.

MLB.com - Boyd underwent an MRI that revealed a meniscus issue in his left knee, which will require surgery in the coming days.

MLB Trade Rumors - Manager Craig Counsell stated that the Cubs will know more about Boyd’s timetable for return after the surgery occurs, with the date to be determined.

MLB.com - Boyd's last start for the Cubs was against the Diamondbacks, where he pitched six innings and allowed two runs.

MLB Trade Rumors - Boyd had previously missed time on the injured list from April 2-21 due to a left biceps strain.

MLB.com - Matthew Boyd sustained a left meniscus injury while playing with his children at home.

MLB.com - Boyd underwent an MRI that revealed the knee injury, which will require surgery.

MLB.com - Boyd was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Monday.

MLB Trade Rumors - The Cubs officially placed Boyd on the injured list and selected Trent Thornton's contract.

MLB Trade Rumors - Boyd's current timetable for return is unknown and will be determined after surgery.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The injury occurred at Boyd's home.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Boyd last started for the Cubs on a Sunday, prior to the announcement of his injury.

MLB.com - Boyd's spot in the rotation is due up on Friday, when the Cubs begin a three-game road series against the Rangers.

WHY:

MLB.com - The injury was characterized by Counsell as "unexplainable," occurring innocently while Boyd was playing with his children.

MLB.com - The injury was described by Counsell as "unexplainable," occurring while Boyd was playing with his children.

MLB.com - The injury was described by Counsell as "unexplainable" and occurred innocently while Boyd was with his kids.

HOW:

MLB Trade Rumors - Right-hander Trent Thornton was selected to take Boyd’s spot on the roster after being signed to a minor league deal in the offseason.

MLB Trade Rumors - Trent Thornton had made four Triple-A appearances, logging 5 2/3 innings with a 3.18 earned run average, 20% strikeout rate, and 12% walk rate before being selected to replace Boyd on the roster.

MLB Trade Rumors - Boyd's injury was diagnosed through an MRI, which revealed the meniscus issue.

MLB.com - Boyd's injury was diagnosed through an MRI, which revealed the meniscus issue.

MLB Trade Rumors - The Cubs designated Charlie Barnes for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Trent Thornton.

(UPDATED May 8, 2026 01:33 UTC)

Cubs manager Craig Counsell shared that pitcher Boyd is understandably struggling mentally after suffering a "fluke setback" injury while playing with his kids. This unexplainable incident will require surgery, and Boyd's recovery timeline is expected to exceed the minimum stint on the injured list. In the meantime, the Cubs have selected right-hander Trent Thornton to fill Boyd's spot on the roster after he was signed to a minor league deal in the offseason.

(UPDATED May 7, 2026 17:33 UTC)

Cubs pitcher Boyd, who was named the Opening Day starter after an impressive season with a record of fourteen wins and eight losses and an earned run average of 3.21, is now sidelined due to injury. In his five starts this season, Boyd has struggled with a 6.00 ERA, leading to righty Javier Assad being the top candidate to fill his spot in the rotation. To replace Boyd on the roster, the Cubs have selected Trent Thornton, who recently made four appearances in Triple-A, posting a 3.18 earned run average over 5 and two-thirds innings.

(UPDATED May 7, 2026 15:45 UTC)

Cubs pitcher Boyd has been diagnosed with a meniscus issue in his left knee, which will require surgery in the coming days. Manager Craig Counsell mentioned that the team will have a clearer understanding of Boyd's recovery timeline after the surgery, which is yet to be scheduled. This injury, described by Counsell as "unexplainable," occurred while Boyd was playing with his children, and he had previously missed time on the injured list due to a left biceps strain.

(UPDATED May 7, 2026 04:13 UTC)

Matthew Boyd, a left-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, has been placed on the 15-day injured list after sustaining a left meniscus injury while playing at home with his children, an incident described by manager Craig Counsell as "unexplainable." Boyd underwent an MRI that confirmed the knee injury will require surgery, and in his absence, the Cubs have selected right-handed reliever Trent Thornton to join the roster, designating left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes for assignment to make room. Boyd's return timetable remains uncertain and will be assessed following his surgery, with his next scheduled start in the rotation set for Friday against the Rangers.