Matthew Boyd Lands On Cubs' Injured List After Freak Injury At Home

Just when you thought things might have been turning around for the Chicago Cubs' injury situation, it took a dramatic turn for the worse.

Left-hander Matthew Boyd, the Opening Day starter, was placed on the 15-day injured list by the Cubs on Wednesday after injuring his left knee at home. Right-handed reliever Trent Thornton was called up from Triple-A Iowa. Left-handed reliever Charlie Barnes was designated for assignment to make room for Thornton on the 40-man roster.

Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv:

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— Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) May 6, 2026 at 2:50 PM

Boyd is slated to have surgery to repair his meniscus. There is not a timetable for his return. Boyd had just returned April 22 from left biceps tendinitis. The rotation is also down two other notable starters in right-hander Cade Horton, who is out for the season after having elbow and flexor tendon surgery, and left-hander Justin Steele recently had a setback in his recovery from UCL revision surgery. Boyd makes it 10 Cubs pitchers who are currently on the IL.

Still, the Cubs entered the day atop the NL Central at 24-12 and a seven-game winning streak.

Thornton signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs in the offseason and made four appearances at Iowa, including one start. In 5⅔ innings, he had allowed two runs on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts.