Cubs Place Matthew Boyd on 15-Day IL with Biceps Strain

Javier Assad recalled from Triple-A to start in Boyd's place

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:49pm

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The Chicago Cubs have placed left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd on the 15-day injured list due to a biceps strain. The move is retroactive to April 6, making April 18 the earliest Boyd could rejoin the rotation. Right-hander Javier Assad has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa and will start in Boyd's place on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Why it matters

The Cubs' starting pitching depth is being tested early in the season, with Boyd's injury coming less than two weeks into the year. The team is taking a cautious approach to allow Boyd to fully recover, even though he believes he could have pushed through the issue. Assad's call-up provides an opportunity for the young pitcher to make a couple of big-league starts.

The details

Boyd and manager Craig Counsell described the injury as minor, and they expect the veteran to be sidelined for the minimum 15-day stint on the IL. The issue did not bother Boyd during his first two starts, but he was taking longer to bounce back afterward. The Cubs decided it was best to give Boyd some extra time to recover, rather than risk further injury early in the season.

  • The IL move is retroactive to April 6, making April 18 the earliest Boyd could rejoin the rotation.
  • Boyd felt good throwing his bullpen on Sunday and even better on Monday, but the Cubs decided not to risk pushing through it this early in the season.

The players

Matthew Boyd

A 35-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a biceps strain.

Javier Assad

A right-handed pitcher who has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa to start in place of the injured Matthew Boyd.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“Frankly, given a different time of the season, I'd take the ball and keep going. Just felt it was best to think long term on this and buy a little extra time and be ready for when I come off it.”

— Matthew Boyd, Cubs Pitcher

“This is the best thing to do for Matt and for us to win as many games as we can this year.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Cubs' decision to place Boyd on the IL early in the season demonstrates their commitment to protecting their pitchers' long-term health and maintaining their starting rotation depth, even if it means missing a start or two in the short term.