Chicago Cubs could be without All-Star left-hander until July

The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation has not been lucky on the injury front. Left-hander Matthew Boyd was the latest starter to wind up on the injured list with a knee injury.

Boyd didn’t suffer a left meniscus tear while playing on the field with the Cubs, but while playing with his kids. According to USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale, Boyd underwent a partial left knee meniscectomy to repair his meniscus.

Boyd’s timetable for return is questionable, but the Cubs are hopeful the All-Star will return at some point in July. This is Boyd’s second time on the injured list this season, as he had a left biceps strain in early April.

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Boyd made three starts after coming off the injured list on April 22, throwing 14.2 innings, allowing 17 hits, nine earned runs, walking three and striking out 14. The 35-year-old’s last start came against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 3, where he tossed six innings.

It’s a repair of the meniscus, which happened in freak injury simply playing with his kids at home. https://t.co/CEx5n809id

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 7, 2026

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The Cubs’ starting rotation is now down three starting pitchers with Boyd’s injury. Right-hander Cade Horton will miss the rest of the season after leaving a start with a forearm strain, while left-hander Justin Steele had a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Thankfully for the Cubs, left-hander Shota Imanaga and right-hander Edward Cabrera have done well to hold things down at the top of the rotation. Imanaga is 3-2 with an ERA in seven starts, while Cabrera is 3-0 with a 3.27 ERA in his seven starts.

Right-hander Jameson Taillon has also held his own, with a 2-1 record and an ERA in seven starts.

The Cubs also don’t have many 40-man options to replace Boyd in the rotation, with right-hander Ben Brown being the most immediate option, given he has starting experience. However, Brown has thrived in his role out of the bullpen this season (1-1 with a 2.10 ERA) and may not be used in that capacity.

Adding at the trade deadline (Aug. 3) will be critical for the Cubs to help replace Boyd’s production.

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