The Chicago Cubs got some mixed news on the pitching front Wednesday. Matthew Boyd is set to return from the injured list and start Thursday against the Mets. But the team also had to put Edward Cabrera on the IL with a left hamstring and adductor strain.
Cabrera got hurt during Tuesday’s start. He left early, and the Cubs still managed to win that game 9-6. But losing another arm isn’t ideal for a team that’s been piecing together its rotation all season.
Cabrera hasn’t exactly been dominant. He’s got a 5.10 ERA over 14 starts this year. But depth is depth, and the Cubs don’t have a ton of it right now. Every inning matters when you’re trying to stay in the race, and losing a starter — even one who’s struggled — forces you to ask more from guys who might not be ready.
Boyd’s return is the bright spot. He’s only made five starts in 2026 and has a 6.00 ERA. But he’s been hurt for a while, and the Cubs are hoping he can stay healthy down the stretch. The team hasn’t said much about whether he’ll be on a pitch count or anything like that. We’ll see how it goes Thursday.
The Doubleheader Shuffle
The Cubs and Mets are playing a doubleheader Wednesday at Citi Field. First game starts at 1:10 PM Eastern. Second game at 7:10. Chicago already leads the series 1-0, and two wins Wednesday would clinch it. That’s a tall order on the road, especially with a bullpen that’s been asked to cover a lot of innings lately.
Tuesday’s win was a good sign. The offense showed up. But pitching consistency has been the story all year for Chicago. Getting Boyd back helps. Losing Cabrera hurts. It’s the kind of one-step-forward, one-step-back cycle that keeps a team from building real momentum.
No word yet on who replaces Cabrera in the rotation. The Cubs might go with a bullpen game or call someone up from Triple-A. Either way, it’s another test for a coaching staff that’s had to get creative with injuries all season.
The Mets aren’t exactly a pushover either, so the Cubs can’t afford to limp through this series. If Boyd looks sharp Thursday, that’ll be a big deal. If not, the questions about this rotation will only get louder.
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