Matthew Boyd returns to Cubs but biggest question is only beginning

Matthew Boyd has been activated off the IL, and the Cubs have optioned Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa. Boyd will be starting for the Cubs on Thursday night, and that marks the beginning of a question that could define the remainder of the season.

It's no secret that the Cubs rotation is in dire straits. Ben Brown has been ruled out for at least the next month, Edward Cabrera is out indefinitely with a moderate hamstring strain, and Jameson Taillon is sidelined until the All-Star break. That speaks nothing of the inconsistent outings the Cubs have had from Colin Rea and Shota Imanaga in recent weeks, the magic of Javier Assad feels like it's eventually going to run out.

Boyd being healthy is a significant moment for the Cubs' pitching staff in itself, but there's a larger question that needs to be answered.

What version of Matthew Boyd do the Cubs having moving forward?

Boyd was an All-Star for the Cubs last season, posting a 3.21 ERA in 31 starts. Boyd struck out just over 21% of the hitters he faced last year.

This year, his ERA is 6.00 in five starts, but he's striking out over 31% of the hitters he's facing. Considering he's still walking under 7% of the hitter he's faced, it adds context to why Boyd's FIP, 2.35, is significantly lower than his ERA.

Boyd's inflated ERA stems from the six-run fourth inning against the Washington Nationals in the fourth inning, and a start against the Padres later in April where he gave up three runs in the first inning. Outside of those two innings, Boyd has largely looked liked the All-Star he was last year with the Cubs.

With Cade Horton out for the rest of the season (and most of next year), and Justin Steele not going to be used as a starting pitcher upon his return later this year, Brown was ascending toward becoming the ace of the rotation. That's why his loss stings. The Cubs aren't just losing a potential All-Star in Brown, but someone who was carrying the rotation.

That responsibility will now lie with Boyd. The Cubs will need to continue their search for pitching, even after the trade for David Peterson, but if Boyd can return to being a true top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, that's an important development for what the season can still be.

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