With injuries behind him, Boyd embracing normal Spring Training

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PEORIA, Ariz. -- Matthew Boyd discussed working with Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya after the lefty’s spring debut against the Padres on Monday afternoon. Boyd talked about pitch sequencing and fine-tuning a few things in the coming days. It was a normal post-outing conversation.

The fact that Boyd was able to rattle off some of those typical Spring Training topics was a refreshing change for the veteran. The discussion was not about rehabbing or injuries. It was not centered around a comeback trail. Boyd has been answering those types of questions for the past few years.

“It’s a lot different,” Boyd said after his part in Monday’s 10-5 win over the Padres. “Really, I’m grateful to be here right now and to be working in games, working through situations and whatnot. I’m excited to have a healthy year ahead of me, and come into Spring Training to prepare [myself] for the season.”

In his two-inning start to begin his preseason workload, the 34-year-old Boyd struck out two and stranded the four baserunners he faced (two walks and two singles). The left-hander built up to 41 pitches, showing off the five in his arsenal (four-seamer, changeup, slider, curve and sinker). He generated five whiffs, including four via his changeup.

According to Statcast, Boyd’s fastball sat at 92.3 mph on average, which was in line with where it sat last season (92.0 mph) with the Guardians. That is evidence to support the left-hander indicating that he is feeling strong, following his feel-good comeback campaign with Cleveland last year after Tommy John surgery in ‘23.

Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said what Boyd did last season with the Guardians was “pretty impressive,” given that the second year after TJ surgery is often the most challenging. After rehabbing on his own, Boyd was signed by Cleveland in June, returned in August, spun a 2.72 ERA in eight games down the stretch and then added three more strong postseason starts.

“Then you have a complete offseason,” Hottovy said. “You actually can let your body kind of calm down and heal. So I think right now he’s in a really good place. Now the key is that he feels good and not falling back into the rehab mode where, ‘I need to do X, Y, Z to feel good.’ He feels good, and now it’s, ‘What do I need to do to be ready for Opening Day?’”

The Cubs pored through Boyd’s performance last year -- one that began with his Aug. 13 gem against the North Siders -- and felt confident enough to hand him a two-year contract. The lefty was signed for $29 million guaranteed to join Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon atop the rotation.

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Boyd will be counted on to log a normal starter’s volume, but the Cubs also have to be cognizant of his recent history. Over the past four seasons combined, the lefty has averaged 51 innings per year (topping out at 78 2/3 in 2021 prior to flexor tendon surgery that September).

“Look, we have to monitor his health,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “I think just with the number of innings he’s pitched, that kind of goes to the top of the list. I don’t want to get too sensitive about it, because I think we want him to pitch.

“And one of the reasons we were interested is we thought he was kind of set up to really have this great full season.”

Another reason the Cubs were intrigued by Boyd was his reputation as a great presence behind the scenes.

“He’s got that great perspective on just real joy for each day,” Counsell said.

Boyd appreciated hearing that last comment by Counsell.

“I’m just grateful to be here, you know?” Boyd said. “You go back a calendar year, I wasn’t on a team. I didn’t have the chance to get a big league job. But there was gratitude in getting to be home, as weird as that sounds. I got to coach my kids [in Little League]. A lot of guys don’t get that opportunity in the season. Hopefully I don’t have that opportunity for about six more years-plus.

“But there’s a blessing in every moment, right? Whatever way you look at it. I wouldn’t wish the last few years on anybody, but those were a blessing to me, too. 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 it.”