The Chicago Cubs have managed to remain competitive despite dealing with injuries. However, the Cubs’ returning starters, boyd--002mat&search=Matthew+Boyd&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&utm_campaign=2026-06-03_br">Matthew Boyd and Edward Cabrera, will help solve that issue. The rotation/" target="_self">starting rotation has struggled to live up to its promise, mainly due to injuries and inconsistencies. This has linked Chicago to potential trades for starters, but if these veterans could return at a strong level, then they may be able to keep some of their top prospects.
The Cubs’ Returning Starters
Boyd and Cabrera have dealt with injuries for most of the season. Even before they got injured, they had struggled in a majority of their starts. This has become a common theme, as, besides Ben Brown, who is having a breakout season, there really haven’t been any bright spots. While there is no guarantee, some time off may have helped give a mental reset. Even if it takes some time to shake off the rust, they are much-needed returns.
Matthew Boyd
Boyd last made a start on May 3rd, where he went six innings, allowing four hits and two runs. Before his injury, he had a 6.00 ERA in 24 innings. Boyd also accumulated 31 strikeouts and had a 2-1 record. These numbers are certainly down from what fans hoped, but he also proved last year that he can serve as the top starter on the team. Reaching that level may be unlikely, but if he can provide quality play, then it goes a long way in stabilizing the rotation. He will likely make only one more start in the minors, and very well could be back on the major league roster next week.
Cubs and Matthew Boyd will decide if he throws in Triple A or Midwest league for final rehab tuneup Saturday.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) June 3, 2026
Edward Cabrera
The last time Cabrera started was on May 20th, before he suffered a blister on his middle finger. In that game, he only lasted three innings and allowed four hits. His season has been a bit more of a roller coaster, as the start was strong, but then he had a rough stretch of games before the injury. Cabrera has a 3-2 record with a 4.00 ERA in 54 innings. Now, he is expected to be back with the team for the weekend series against the San Francisco Giants.
Edward Cabrera will start Saturday for the #Cubs. He’s been on the IL since 5/21.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) June 2, 2026
While the addition of Boyd is huge, Cabrera likely carries the most weight of the Cubs’ returning starters. When Chicago acquired the former Marlins star in a trade, the hope was that he would be able to unlock his potential. They heavily invested, trading one of their top prospects, Owen Caissie. Many fans had mixed reactions about this, but were willing to take a chance on adding a star pitcher. This has not quite worked out as well as they hoped, but if he can come back stronger than before, then fans will quickly forget his rough stretch.
Impact of the Cubs’ Returning Starters
Anytime you can add two starters back, it is a reason for celebration. There is no secret that the rotation may be the biggest weakness right now, and adding help needs to be the biggest priority. Both of these guys have shown the potential to serve as top-of-the-rotation guys. They also have a lot of question marks. It is hard to say that you can rely on either of them for the rest of the season. Also, their poor play before injuries does not give full confidence that they will return to form.
The benefits of the Cubs returning starters are clear, though. The rotation is thin right now due to the injuries. Currently, only Brown has pitched well enough to lock in his job. Those three combined will fill in a majority of the starting roles. Unless the team wishes to go with a six-man rotation, that leaves only two spots for Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, and Jameson Taillon. That also gives them a quality guy who can make a start any day if needed. It may not be as elite as some other rotations, but it is full of talent. It should be strong enough to keep the team in contention for a competitive division race in the NL Central.
Main Photo Credit: © David Banks-Imagn Images
