The Chicago Cubs’ bad injury luck continued Wednesday, as manager Craig Counsell revealed that Matthew Boyd would be out for a significant period of time.
During his pregame media availability at Wrigley Field, Counsell revealed that Boyd had suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee, and will be out “for the foreseeable future,” according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers and Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor. The injury will require surgery, according to team officials.
The Cubs have since placed Boyd on the injured list, and have selected the contract of Trent Thornton from Triple-A Iowa.
According to the reports, Boyd suffered the injury while playing with his kids on Wednesday, and there is no timetable for his return.
The Cubs’ starting rotation has been decimated by injuries so far this season, with Cade Horton already out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The team had hoped to get back Justin Steele from his own Tommy John surgery, but he suffered a setback during his rehab from the injury, leaving his status uncertain for the North Siders.
In addition, the Cubs’ bullpen has had to deal with numerous injuries, with Daniel Palencia and Caleb Thielbar missing time, along with a host of other relievers.
The absence of Boyd will likely require Javier Assad to rejoin the rotation on a more regular basis, though he pitched in relief during Tuesday’s win over the Cincinnati Reds, so he likely won’t be available for at least another day or two.
Boyd had been slated to start the Cubs’ series opener against the Texas Rangers in Arlington on Friday.
