CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd returned Wednesday after being sidelined by a strained left biceps.
Boyd pitched 4 2/3 innings of two-run ball against Philadelphia in his third start of the season. He allowed five hits, struck out five and walked none.
The 35-year-old Boyd was activated from the 15-day injured list and reliever Luke Little was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
“I feel like he's in really good shape,” manager Craig Counsell said
before the game. “I mean he's been feeling really good for the last 12 probably days where we're in a great shape.”
The Cubs had won a season-high seven in a row going into the matchup with the Phillies. They entered with a 2.25 ERA during the win streak.
Boyd started on opening day against Washington, allowing six runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings in a 10-4 loss. But he rebounded with a strong performance against the Los Angeles Angels on April 1, striking out 10 in 5 2/3 innings in a 6-2 victory.
He made one rehab start with Iowa, allowing three runs and four hits in 3 2/3 innings.
Javier Assad was recalled from the minors when Boyd went on the IL on April 6. Counsell said Assad will work out of the bullpen now that Boyd is back.
Boyd agreed to a $29 million, two-year contract with Chicago in December 2024. He went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, making the NL All-Star team and helping the Cubs reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
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