The Chicago Cubs placed left-hander Matthew Boyd on the 15-day injured list Monday due to a left biceps strain, retroactive to April 3. The move marks another setback for the team's starting rotation, coming just a day after right-hander Cade Horton landed on the IL with a strained forearm. Boyd, a first-time All-Star last season, struggled to find consistency early this campaign.

Boyd posted a 1-1 record with a 6.75 ERA in two starts this season, bouncing back from a poor Opening Day with 10 strikeouts against the Angels last Wednesday. The Cubs responded to mounting injuries by recalling right-hander Javier Assad from Triple-A Iowa, who will start Tuesday against Tampa Bay. Assad represents the latest attempt to stabilize a pitching staff facing significant adversity.

Horton experienced discomfort during his start Friday against Cleveland and has returned to Chicago for additional testing. The Cubs now face the challenge of maintaining competitiveness while managing multiple rotation casualties. Boyd's absence creates an opportunity for younger arms to step up, with the team hoping his biceps strain resolves quickly enough to avoid extended damage to their playoff aspirations.