The Chicago Cubs received more unfortunate news on Wednesday, when veteran starting pitcher Matthew Boyd suffered a knee injury that will require surgery. Boyd, who was an All-Star for the Cubs in 2025, was the Opening Day starter for the club this year, but the 35-year-old was already showing some worrying signs. Boyd missed time on the injured list in April because of a left biceps strain, and now he’ll undergo surgery on his left meniscus.
Boyd made 31 starts for the Cubs in 2025, surpassing the 100-inning mark for the first time since 2019. The left-handed pitcher has dealt with several injuries throughout his MLB career, including multiple elbow surgeries. He came back from Tommy John surgery in 2024 with the Cleveland Guardians, and although he only pitched in eight regular-season games that year, it was enough to secure a two-year, $29 million contract with the Cubs.
Now, the Cubs won’t know how long Boyd will be sidelined. That will be determined after the surgery is complete, and if you’re wondering how the injury happened, well it seems like another case of the worst fucking luck.
It turns out that Boyd injured his knee while playing with his kids on Wednesday morning.
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And that’s what happens when you try to be Dad of the Year. Joking aside, it’s a shame for Boyd, who looked solid in his previous start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sure, his six starts this year haven’t been good overall, a 6.00 ERA in 24 innings, but his 31/6 strikeout to walk ratio was pretty damn good, and some other peripherals suggested he was due for a turnaround.
This one will definitely get added to the list of freak injuries in Cubs’ history. We already had one earlier this season with Ethan Roberts.
History of Freak Chicago Cubs Injuries
Mike Remlinger: fractured left pinky finger after getting it stuck between recliner chairs in the clubhouse.
Sammy Sosa: injured his back by sneezing violently.
Kerry Wood: bruised ribs after slipping while getting out of his hot tub.
Ryan Dempster: broke a toe while jumping over the dugout, celebrating a win.
Alfonso Soriano: strained calf after doing his signature hop when catching a fly ball.
Brandon Morrow: suffered back spasms while taking off his pants.
Jose Quintana: cut left hand while washing dishes at home.
Cade Horton: suffered a fractured rib after severe coughing.
And now Matthew Boyd enters the list.
