Cubs pitching takes another hit with Boyd headed to IL

Posted April 06, 2026 1:50 pm

By Sahadev Sharma

ST. PETERSBURG — Before their three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Cubs announced starter Matthew Boyd was heading to the injured list with a left biceps strain.

The Cubs starting pitching depth is being tested early as they have already lost Cade Horton for an indefinite period of time after he exited his start last Friday in Cleveland with a right forearm strain. Horton was meeting with doctors Monday in Chicago and the extent of his injury should be known at some point this week. Boyd’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious. Both Boyd and manager Craig Counsell were clear they expected this to be a minimum stint on the IL for the lefty starter.

Boyd, in second year of a two-year deal with the Cubs, has a long history of injuries, but is coming off an All-Star season. He has looked strong early in the season, with a one-inning hiccup on Opening Day leading to a 6.75 ERA in 9 1/3 innings. But he’s been missing bats at a crazy rate (45.9% strikeout rate) and was coming off a strong 5 2/3 inning outing Wednesday at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs recalled Javier Assad from Triple A to take Boyd’s spot in the rotation and he’s expected to start on Tuesday night against the Rays. Assad has a 3.43 ERA in 331 big-league innings. Counsell wasn’t ready to announce Wednesday’s starter, but said Colin Rea, who came in for Horton when he exited on Friday, would be used in some capacity.