The Chicago Cubs are expected to activate pitcher Matthew Boyd from the injured list and likely start him in their upcoming game Thursday against the New York Mets. Boyd, who was the Cubs’ Opening Day starter and an All-Star last season, has been sidelined since early May due to knee surgery and subsequent shoulder soreness. Manager Craig Counsell indicated that Boyd’s recent minor-league rehab start on Saturday, followed by a successful bullpen session Monday, positions him well for a return to the major-league rotation.
Boyd’s most recent stint on the injured list marked the second extended absence this season, limiting him to just five starts. Counsell underscored the importance of Boyd returning to a regular routine in order to fully assess his performance and health, stating that consistency over multiple starts would provide a clearer picture of Boyd’s status. “We’ve got to get Matt out there consistently. That’s when we’re going to get the truth with what’s going on,” Counsell said. The Cubs had initially hoped for an earlier return but opted to delay due to unexpected shoulder discomfort.
Meanwhile, outfielder Seiya Suzuki remains positioned as the team’s designated hitter, a role he has held since experiencing right knee discomfort two weekends ago. Although the Cubs had anticipated Suzuki’s reintegration into right field by this point, his recovery has progressed more slowly than expected. Counsell noted that Suzuki has been participating daily but has yet to regain full confidence in fielding duties, particularly regarding running and sliding. Rookie Matt Shaw has been filling in at right field during Suzuki’s DH stint and has contributed offensively, hitting .286 with a home run, two triples, seven RBIs, and six runs scored over his recent appearances.
On a brighter note for the Cubs, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong continues his impressive offensive surge, earning National League Player of the Week honors for the second time in three weeks. Over the past seven days, Crow-Armstrong went 11-for-20 with four home runs, a triple, a double, seven RBIs, five runs scored, and two stolen bases. His exceptional performance this month includes a .437 batting average, a .481 on-base percentage, and a .930 slugging percentage, helping him sustain a hitting streak in 16 of 17 games played in June.
As the Cubs navigate injury recoveries and roster adjustments, the return of Boyd and the continued emergence of young talent like Crow-Armstrong provide promising developments for the team moving forward.