Chicago’s starting staff has taken another damaging hit, this time in unexpected fashion. Manager Craig Counsell revealed Wednesday that left-hander Matthew Boyd will need surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee after hurting himself while sitting down to play with his children.
The bizarre nature of the injury immediately places Boyd among a long line of strange baseball mishaps, joining memorable incidents involving players getting hurt in unusual off-field situations. While the circumstances may sound unbelievable, the consequences for the Cubs are serious.
Rotation depth suddenly under pressure
Although Boyd’s results this season have been underwhelming — a 6.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 24 innings — his absence still creates a significant problem for Chicago. Even with his struggles, Boyd represented an experienced option who could have improved over the course of the year.
Instead, the Cubs now find their once-deep rotation looking far thinner. Cade Horton is already lost for the season, while Justin Steele’s attempted comeback from Tommy John surgery has been delayed by another setback. What began as a group with eight legitimate starters has now been reduced sharply, leaving little room for further losses.
Remaining starters must carry the load
For now, Chicago’s primary rotation consists of Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad. That group will need to stay healthy and productive because alternatives are limited.
Ben Brown currently provides too much value in the bullpen to move back into a starting role, and top minor-league possibility Jaxon Wiggins is also sidelined with an injury. Until Boyd returns — or Steele somehow beats him back — the Cubs’ margin for error has nearly disappeared.
A strong start faces new challenge
Despite the mounting health concerns, Chicago has managed to stay afloat impressively. Entering Wednesday, the Cubs owned a 24-12 record, putting them within striking distance of baseball’s best mark.
Their starters have posted a 3.90 ERA, ninth-best in Major League Baseball, while the club’s start is tied for the second-best opening in franchise history behind only the 2016 World Series team. Chicago also holds a 2.5-game advantage in the NL Central, but preserving that position may become increasingly difficult as pitching injuries continue to pile up.