Updates on Boyd’s Return and Cubs’ Player Highlights

Matthew Boyd is poised for his next start with the Chicago Cubs, although the exact date remains undetermined. Boyd, who recently threw a bullpen session at Citi Field, is on the mend following his rehabilitation start at High-A South Bend. Initially expected to return from a meniscectomy sooner, Boyd’s progress was slowed by shoulder soreness that emerged during a bullpen session on June 9 in Denver. This setback required an additional rehab start over the weekend. Cubs manager Craig Counsell is optimistic about Boyd’s upcoming performance but is cautious about finalizing the date for Boyd’s start, pending the schedule adjustments due to weather-related postponements. The Cubs had to consider whether a game would be played or rescheduled as a doubleheader.

“You always want to compete, you always want to be out there, but you also have to trust in the timing that is laid out in front of you, and my job is to pitch and be on the field and compete, but you learn to make the most of the time when that opportunity isn’t available,” Boyd shared, adding the importance of readiness when the time to play arrives.

Boyd has faced challenges with injuries this season, limiting his appearances to five starts and 24 innings. Counsell stresses the importance of Boyd returning to regular play to regain a routine and better assess his form. The Cubs identified changes in Boyd’s pitching delivery that may have contributed to his shoulder issue. Adjustments were made, particularly concerning his arm height in his delivery, which Boyd believes helped alleviate the soreness.

In other Cubs news, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has been named the National League player of the week for the second time this month. Crow-Armstrong achieved this honor thanks to his outstanding .550 batting average, including four home runs and seven RBIs over five games. He is the first Cubs player to win multiple awards in a single month since Derrek Lee in 2005. Counsell praised Crow-Armstrong’s strategic approach at the plate, especially noting an at-bat against Blue Jays reliever Mason Fluharty, where Crow-Armstrong overcame a challenging 0-2 count to help load the bases.

The Cubs are facing difficulties in the All-Star Game voting, partially due to overall offensive struggles. MLB’s latest voting tallies showed several Cubs players, such as Alex Bregman, Carson Kelly, and Moisés Ballesteros, ranking lower in their respective positions. Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and outfielder Seiya Suzuki also faced low standings despite previous recognition. The first phase of voting concludes soon, revealing the top candidates who will advance to the next stage in securing a starting role in the All-Star Game.