CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs have risen to the top of the National League Central Division despite facing challenges with their starting rotation. A significant contributing factor to their success has been the reliable performance of Matthew Boyd. The left-handed pitcher has demonstrated remarkable consistency, pitching six innings or more while conceding three earned runs or fewer in 10 out of his 14 starts with the Cubs. On Saturday, Boyd delivered an impressive performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing just one hit over six innings, leading the Cubs to a narrow 2-1 victory.
Manager Craig Counsell lauded Boyd’s performance, noting, “He continues to just do an excellent job and put us in position to win games.” Injuries have plagued the Cubs’ rotation, sidelining key pitchers. Shota Imanaga is expected to return by the end of June, but Justin Steele is out for the season following elbow surgery. Meanwhile, Javier Assad is working his way back from an oblique injury.
Despite these setbacks, Boyd has remained a steady presence, especially at Wrigley Field, where he holds a 6-0 record with a 2.25 ERA in his six home starts this season. Boyd appreciates the charged atmosphere at Wrigley, stating, “Pitching at Wrigley is really special. Getting to play in this environment, every outing, you know, you go out there, there’s so much energy from the fans. It feels like a playoff-type outing. I’m really grateful to call it home right now.”
Boyd, 34, joined the Cubs in December after signing a $29 million, two-year contract. His connection to the team holds sentimental value, as his late grandfather, John Boyd, was a lifelong Cubs fan who grew up in Chicago. Boyd made a comeback to baseball after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2023. He previously played for the Cleveland Guardians, where he recorded a 2-2 record with a 2.72 ERA in eight starts and went on to deliver three strong postseason performances for the team.
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson commented on Boyd’s pitching style, saying, “He’s got a lot of different ways to get guys out, whether it’s the fastball, the changeup, slider, curveball. It’s kind of a little bit of a funky arm slot. He’s a true pro in ways that he wants to get guys out. So you know when he’s out there you know you got a chance to win the game. … He’s been awesome for us.”
The only blemish on Boyd’s performance on Saturday was Andrew McCutchen’s home run in the first inning. After that, Boyd retired 14 consecutive batters. “You just go keep pitching, right?” Boyd remarked after the game. “Whether it’s a home run or a walk or even a strikeout, something good, you just continue to go out and keep doing what you expect of yourself when the ball’s in your hand.”
Tommy Pham managed to break Boyd’s streak with a walk in the sixth inning, only to be swiftly picked off by Boyd. Boyd has excelled in picking off runners this season, achieving a career-high by doing so in three consecutive games and tying a franchise record set by Rick Sutcliffe and Bill Hands. His six pick-offs lead the majors this season, slightly ahead of Yankees pitcher Max Fried.
The skill of picking off baserunners was something Boyd developed early on, having been taught by his coach, Mark Yoshino, at Bellevue College in Washington. Boyd explained, “It’s always been something I’ve put a focus on. … It’s something that you just want to stay sharp on. You don’t want to fall into weird patterns.”