Overview
- Boyd underwent a successful partial left knee meniscectomy Thursday, and manager Craig Counsell said the left-hander is expected to miss about six weeks.
- The 35-year-old hurt his meniscus Wednesday while sitting down to play with his children and was placed on the 15-day injured list, with Trent Thornton selected and Charlie Barnes designated for assignment; Boyd is 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA in five starts.
- Counsell noted the return date hinges on how quickly Boyd resumes throwing after the knee heals because a partial meniscectomy fixes the tear by trimming damaged tissue, which often shortens knee recovery but still pauses arm buildup.
- Chicago must rework its innings plan with Cade Horton out for the season and Justin Steele’s timeline still unclear, and the staff has not yet named a replacement for Boyd’s next turn with Javier Assad or Ben Brown discussed as options.
- The club also shuffled its bullpen Thursday by recalling Gavin Hollowell and designating Corbin Martin for assignment, moves that come as the Cubs hold first place in the NL Central despite a long injured list.