The Chicago Cubs received a mixed injury update on Wednesday as two important pitchers, Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown, were placed on the 15-day injured list, while veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd prepares to make his return to the rotation.
Manager Craig Counsell confirmed that Boyd will be activated from the injured list and is expected to start Thursday’s game against the New York Mets. His return comes after a relatively short absence caused by knee surgery. Boyd underwent a procedure last month to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury he reportedly suffered while spending time with his children.
While Boyd’s return provides a boost to Chicago’s pitching staff, the team is now facing fresh concerns regarding Cabrera and Brown.
Cabrera’s injury occurred during Tuesday night’s victory over the Mets at Citi Field. The right-hander suffered a left hamstring injury while attempting to cover first base on a defensive play. The injury appeared serious immediately, as Cabrera was unable to leave the field under his own power and had to be carted off. The Cubs later determined that the injury warranted a trip to the injured list, creating another challenge for a pitching staff that has already dealt with multiple setbacks throughout the season.
The 28-year-old Cabrera is in his first season with Chicago after being acquired from the Miami Marlins during the offseason. The Cubs brought him in hoping he could strengthen the starting rotation and provide quality innings throughout the campaign. Although his results have been somewhat inconsistent, Cabrera has remained an important member of the rotation.
In 14 starts this season, Cabrera has posted a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA. Despite the uneven numbers, his ability to take the ball regularly has given the Cubs valuable depth. Losing him for any extended period could place additional pressure on the rest of the pitching staff, particularly during a demanding stretch of games.
Brown’s move to the injured list was made retroactive to Sunday. The 26-year-old is dealing with a neck strain, another setback for a pitcher who has emerged as one of Chicago’s most reliable arms this year.
Unlike Cabrera, Brown has contributed in multiple roles for the Cubs. He has made both starts and relief appearances, giving the coaching staff flexibility whenever needed. His effectiveness has been reflected in his outstanding statistics.
Through 20 appearances this season, including eight starts, Brown owns a 4-2 record along with one save and an impressive 1.85 ERA. His ability to perform in a variety of situations has made him one of the team’s most valuable pitchers, and his absence could be difficult to replace in the short term.
To address the roster vacancies created by the injuries, the Cubs made several corresponding moves ahead of their doubleheader against the Mets.
The organization selected the contract of veteran right-hander Vince Velasquez, adding another experienced arm to the pitching staff. Velasquez has spent time with several major league organizations throughout his career and provides additional depth as Chicago navigates its growing list of injuries.
The Cubs also named right-hander Tyler Ferguson as the club’s 27th man for the doubleheader. Major League Baseball rules allow teams to carry an extra player during doubleheaders, giving clubs additional flexibility when managing pitching workloads.
In another move, Chicago recalled Gavin Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa. Hollowell will provide immediate bullpen support and could see opportunities as the Cubs work to cover innings lost because of the injuries to Cabrera and Brown.
To create room on the roster, the Cubs designated right-hander Eduarniel Nunez for assignment. The transaction opens a spot while the organization evaluates its pitching options moving forward.
Despite the recent setbacks, Boyd’s return arrives at an important time. The veteran left-hander was a key contributor for Chicago last season and earned All-Star honors in 2025. His experience and leadership could help stabilize the rotation while the club deals with its latest injury concerns.
Boyd’s numbers this season have been less impressive than those from his All-Star campaign. In five starts before suffering the knee injury, he compiled a 2-1 record with a 6.00 ERA. Over 24 innings, he recorded 31 strikeouts while issuing six walks.
Although those statistics suggest he struggled at times, the Cubs remain confident that a healthy Boyd can provide quality innings and help strengthen the rotation during the second half of the season. The organization is hoping that his recovery period allowed him to fully heal and return to peak form.
Chicago now finds itself balancing optimism and concern. Boyd’s activation gives the team an experienced starter capable of helping the rotation immediately. At the same time, the losses of Cabrera and Brown remove two pitchers who have played significant roles throughout the season.
As the Cubs continue their series against the Mets and look ahead to the coming weeks, much will depend on how effectively they can navigate these injuries. The club’s depth will be tested, and players such as Velasquez, Hollowell, and Ferguson may be asked to take on larger responsibilities.
For now, the Cubs will welcome Boyd back to the mound while hoping both Cabrera and Brown can recover quickly and rejoin the team later in the season. Their health could prove crucial as Chicago continues its push through a competitive National League schedule.
