Matthew Boyd will get the ball for Game 1 of the 2025 Wild Card series for the Chicago Cubs and although it comes after the crushing update of rookie Cade Horton it still represents an amazing accomplishment for the veteran lefty. Boyd began his big-league career back in 2015 and didn’t pitch in the postseason until 2022, an appearance that lasted one out with the Seattle Mariners. In 2024, Boyd appeared in three playoff games with the Cleveland Guardians and now he’s the Game 1 starter for the Cubs, which means a lot more to Boyd beyond the field.
While talking to the media on Monday, Boyd was asked about being named the starter for the first game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. The 34-year-old couldn’t hold his emotions as he reflected what it meant to him personally as his grandfather grew up a die-hard Cubs fan.
These are the moments that will always keep even the most cynic fans coming back for more. Game 1 is scheduled to begin at 2:08 pm. Boyd will matchup against Padres’ righty Nick Pivetta.
