Chicago Cubs Set to Reinforce Pitching Staff with Returns of Cabrera and Boyd

The Chicago Cubs are poised to enhance their pitching lineup with the imminent return of two pivotal starters. Right-hander Edward Cabrera is expected to be activated from the injured list this weekend for a matchup against the San Francisco Giants, while left-hander Matthew Boyd is on track for a comeback next week during the team's West Coast swing, provided his rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa goes well.

Cabrera, who has been sidelined due to a blister on his right middle finger, is eligible to be reinstated as early as Friday. Boyd has been out of action since May 4 following a surgical procedure to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee. The Cubs have struggled in their absence, recording a dismal 3-7 record without Cabrera and a 10-16 mark without Boyd. “We’ve had significant losses in the rotation,” manager Craig Counsell noted on Tuesday. “I mean, essentially you’re down the (Nos.) 1, 2, and 4 at this point to start the season, so yeah, we need healthy bodies back, and absolutely right now everything is pointing to them returning in the near term.”

The Cubs' starting rotation has faced difficulties, holding a 4.71 ERA as of June 1, ranking 25th in Major League Baseball. Their performance in May was particularly concerning, with a 5.33 ERA that only outperformed the Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies, alongside a lowly 0.2 fWAR.

In light of these challenges, right-hander Ben Brown has emerged as a reliable option since stepping into the rotation to fill Boyd's role. Over five starts, Brown has allowed just five runs across 26 innings, boasting an impressive 1.73 ERA, along with 29 strikeouts against seven walks. His offseason addition of a sinker and ongoing development of his changeup have contributed to his evolution as a more versatile pitcher. “When I came to the realization that I’m a better pitcher when I throw these pitches...that belief really goes a long way, for sure,” Brown remarked.

Brown's excellent performance extends beyond his starting role, as his overall numbers indicate a 1.92 ERA in 51 2/3 innings this season. When asked about the possibility of receiving an All-Star nomination, he expressed humility, stating, “It’d be an honor...Just keep my head down and throw the ball.” Meanwhile, left-hander Jordan Wicks was given a chance to start in Cabrera's absence but struggled in his two outings, leading to his optioning back to Iowa as the Cubs look to solidify their pitching staff for the upcoming games.