Cade Horton

The Chicago Cubs are relying on Matthew Boyd to serve as their ace amid widespread pitching injuries. Boyd, who was an All-Star last season, has returned from injury and is expected to provide stability for the team in the second half of the season.

Jameson Taillon, a veteran right-hander for the Cubs, is nearing a return to the mound after injury, potentially starting before the All-Star break. The Cubs' pitching staff is heavily impacted by injuries, and Taillon's return could stabilize their rotation. He will likely begin with a minor-league rehab start this weekend.

The Cubs acquired left-hander David Peterson from the Mets to address pitching staff issues, with team president Jed Hoyer emphasizing Peterson's ground-ball pitching style and the Cubs' strong infield defense as potential assets. The move follows injuries to multiple pitchers, including Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, and Justin Steele, prompting the Cubs to seek additional reinforcements through trades or waivers.

Justin Steele's return to pitching has been delayed by a flexor-strain setback following elbow surgery, complicating the Cubs' injury-plagued rotation. The team remains cautiously hopeful about his potential contribution later in the season as they manage multiple pitching injuries.

The Cubs will be without Jameson Taillon until after the All-Star break due to a moderate left hamstring strain. The team is also dealing with injuries to Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and others, reducing starting-pitching depth. Recent returns like Matthew Boyd and improved performances from Javier Assad offer some optimism.

Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon left a game against the Giants in the second inning due to a strained left hamstring, likely requiring an injured list stint. The injury complicates the Cubs' starting pitching rotation, which had recently regained several players from injuries but now faces renewed challenges.