Cubs Minor League Roundup: Boyd Shines in Rehab Start

South Bend extends win streak, Knoxville stages comeback

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:51am

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes in bright blues, reds, and greens, representing the action and energy of a minor league baseball game.The Cubs' minor league system showcases its depth and talent, with injured major leaguers like Matthew Boyd making rehab starts alongside rising prospects like Pedro Ramirez and Nazier Mulé.Pensacola Today

In the Cubs minor league action, Matthew Boyd made a rehab start for South Bend, going 3.2 innings and allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with 6 strikeouts. South Bend won their 6th straight game, while Knoxville staged a big comeback after falling behind 8-2 early.

Why it matters

The Cubs' minor league system is an important pipeline for developing talent, and these games provide valuable opportunities for injured major leaguers like Boyd to work their way back. The strong performances by prospects like Pedro Ramirez and Nazier Mulé also highlight the depth of the organization's farm system.

The details

Matthew Boyd struggled early, giving up 3 runs in the 2nd inning, but was otherwise strong in his rehab start, striking out 6 and walking just 1. Will Sanders got the win for Iowa despite blowing an 8-3 lead, while Ryan Jensen earned the save. Pedro Ramirez had a huge game for Iowa, going 4-for-6 with a 3-run homer, 5 RBIs and 2 steals. Nazier Mulé pitched well for South Bend, allowing just 1 run over 3.1 innings, and Owen Ayers homered for the 4th straight game.

  • Matthew Boyd made his rehab start on April 16, 2026.
  • The South Bend Cubs won their 6th straight game on April 16, 2026.
  • The Knoxville Smokies staged their comeback on April 16, 2026.

The players

Matthew Boyd

A pitcher making a rehab start for the Cubs' minor league affiliate.

Pedro Ramirez

A second baseman for the Iowa Cubs who had a huge game, going 4-for-6 with a 3-run homer, 5 RBIs and 2 steals.

Nazier Mulé

A starting pitcher for the South Bend Cubs who allowed just 1 run over 3.1 innings.

Owen Ayers

A designated hitter for the South Bend Cubs who homered for the 4th straight game.

Edgar Alvarez

A first baseman for the Knoxville Smokies who hit a solo home run and reached base 4 times.

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What’s next

Matthew Boyd will make another rehab start for the Cubs' minor league affiliate in the coming days as he works his way back from injury.

The takeaway

The Cubs' minor league system continues to produce promising talent, with strong performances from prospects like Ramirez, Mulé, and Ayers. The organization's depth is on display as they navigate injuries at the major league level.