Cubs Rotation Boost
Edward Cabrera and Matthew Boyd Nearing Return to Cubs' Injured Pitching Rotation
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Two key members of the Chicago Cubs' battered starting rotation are on their way back. Edward Cabrera will start Saturday, June 6, against the San Francisco Giants, while Matthew Boyd is set to make one final rehab start that same day before rejoining the big league staff, according to Associated Press.
The returns come at a critical moment. The Cubs' rotation posted a 5.33 ERA in May — 28th in MLB — and endured a 10-game losing streak to close the month, according to Bleacher Nation. With Cade Horton out for the season and Justin Steele not expected back until August, the Cubs are running out of healthy arms.
How Both Pitchers Ended Up on the Shelf
Boyd had been named the Opening Day starter after signing a two-year, $29 million deal in December 2024. He was pitching well through early May before a "fluke accident" — tearing his meniscus while playing with his children at home — cut his season short, manager Craig Counsell told reporters. Boyd underwent surgery and was placed on the injured list on May 6, according to Associated Press.
Cabrera's issue was a blister on his right middle finger — a chronic problem that plagued him during his time with the Miami Marlins as well. He left a May 20 start against Milwaukee after just 3.0 innings and was placed on the 15-day injured list four days later, according to Athlon Sports. Jordan Wicks was recalled to fill his spot in the rotation.
Replacement Starter Jordan Wicks Struggled Badly
Wicks' two spot starts made the Cubs' need for Cabrera and Boyd even more urgent. He posted a 15.63 ERA and a 2.21 WHIP across just 6.1 innings, giving up 11 earned runs, according to Yardbarker. The Cubs produced only 8 quality starts total in 29 games during May.
Counsell summed up the situation bluntly. "We need healthy bodies back," he said, "and absolutely signs right now, everything is pointing to them returning in the near term." Wicks was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa on June 2 as soon as the return timelines were confirmed, according to Associated Press.
Boyd Ahead of Schedule, Cabrera's Stuff Under the Microscope
Boyd made his first rehab appearance at Triple-A Iowa on May 31, throwing 4.0 innings. He is considered "ahead of schedule" on his six-week meniscus recovery timeline, according to Marquee Sports Network. His MLB stats before the injury — a 6.00 ERA in 5 starts — trailed his All-Star 2025 mark of a 3.21 ERA, according to Athlon Sports.
Cabrera's return has drawn more scrutiny. Scouts noticed a drop in his velocity and stuff in the days before he hit the IL, raising questions about whether the blister was hiding a deeper problem, according to Sports Mockery. The 28-year-old carries a 4.00 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 54.0 innings this season.
What a Healthy Rotation Could Mean for the Trade Deadline
The Cubs face a favorable stretch of 22 games against sub-.500 teams — the Athletics, Giants, Rockies, and Blue Jays. If Cabrera and Boyd hold up, the front office is expected to be buyers at the trade deadline. If they falter, a sell-off becomes a real possibility, according to Sports Illustrated.
President of Baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged the urgency of the moment, warning the team is nearing the "point where you run out of days" to stabilize the roster, according to MLB Trade Rumors. The Cubs have invested heavily — $29 million on Boyd and a package of top prospects for Cabrera — and need both men healthy to justify this season's ambitions.
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