Matt Boyd ‘Grateful’ for Healthy Spring Training
A Fresh Start
PEORIA, Ariz. – Spring training looked a lot different last year for left-hander Matt Boyd, who made his Cubs Cactus League debut on Monday.
“This time last year, I was getting ready for the Little League season and doing my rehab at home,” he said. “I’m grateful to be here right now and to be working in games and working through situations – excited to have a healthy year ahead of me.”
A Year of Recovery
Boyd, coming off his first season post-Tommy John surgery, threw two scoreless innings Monday against the Padres. He limited San Diego to two hits, with two walks and two strikeouts.
“I wouldn’t have wished the last few years on anybody,” he said of a series of injury-riddled seasons. “But those were a blessing to me, too. So I get to put on this Cubs uniform, all the history that comes with it. I get to go play at Wrigley Field; that’s something that I don’t take lightly. I’m super thankful for, I’m super excited for, that opportunity.
“And we get to be in a clubhouse with just amazing talent, and some amazing people. So a lot of things to be grateful for. It’s an awesome blank canvas ahead of us for this team. And it’s exciting to know that it’s going to be what we make of it, not what anybody else says.”
A New Chapter
After signing a two-year deal worth $29 million with the Cubs this offseason, Boyd is set to be a regular rotation member. But with Boyd’s injury history in mind, the Cubs will adjust their workload expectations as needed through the season.
“I don’t want to get too sensitive about it,” manager Craig Counsell said. “Because we want him to pitch, and one of the reasons we were interested, is we thought he was set up to really have this great full season. But we’ve just got to watch those cues.”
A Strong Partnership
Boyd worked with catcher Miguel Amaya on Monday. They talked in between innings, and once in a while mid-at-bat, the veteran left-hander gave input on sequencing through PitchCom.
Boyd described the 25-year-old Amaya as “wise beyond his years.” Boyd said his slider was flatter than he wanted it Monday, and Amaya gave him feedback like: “Great location. Shape was a little different.”
Boyd beamed as he described the back-and-forth. It’s a normal part of spring training for new battery mates. For Boyd, normal was refreshing.
Turner Makes Cubs Spring Debut
First baseman Justin Turner, who the Cubs signed last week, made his Cactus League debut with his new team on Monday. He went 2-for-2 and drew a walk.
His first day in camp was Thursday, and he was taking live batting practice by the next day.
Cubs 10, Padres 5
The undefeated Cubs extended their Cactus League winning streak to five games on Monday. They reclaimed the advantage with a five-run sixth inning and held on to the lead the rest of the way.
- Catcher Miguel Amaya led the Cubs with three hits. He has a 2.358 OPS this spring.
- Reliever Ben Keller again dazzled with his increase in velocity, tossing two hitless innings. He topped out at 97.2 mph. His average four-seam fastball velocity last season was 93.8 mph.
- On deck: Diamondbacks at Cubs, 2:05 p.m. Tuesday, Mesa, Marquee, A.J. Puck vs. Jameson Taillon.
Conclusion
Matt Boyd is grateful to be back on the mound, healthy and ready for the new season. With a strong performance in his Cactus League debut, he is set to be a key contributor to the Cubs’ rotation.
FAQs
Q: What is Matt Boyd’s injury history?
A: Boyd has had a series of injury-riddled seasons, including a Tommy John surgery last year.
Q: How does Matt Boyd feel about being back on the mound?
A: Boyd is “grateful” to be healthy and ready for the new season.
Q: What are the Cubs’ expectations for Matt Boyd this season?
A: The Cubs will adjust their workload expectations for Boyd based on his injury history and performance.
