Chicago Cubs will send left‑hander Matthew Boyd to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday for the first of two scheduled rehab outings. Boyd, who missed action after undergoing left‑knee meniscus surgery on May 4, earned the assignment following a 52‑pitch simulated session ahead of Tuesday’s game versus Pittsburgh. The move gives the club a chance to gauge his recovery in live action and assess his velocity.

Before his injury Boyd posted a 2‑1 record with a 6.00 ERA across five starts this season. He earned his first All‑Star nod last year after 12 seasons in the majors, underscoring his value to Chicago’s rotation. He also posted 78 strikeouts, showing swing‑and‑miss potential. The rehab start will test whether he can return to that form before the season’s final stretch.

If Boyd demonstrates command and durability in Iowa, the Cubs could consider adding him to the major‑league roster before September, bolstering a staff that has struggled with injuries. Conversely, a setback would likely push his return further into the offseason, leaving Chicago to rely on younger arms for the remainder of the campaign. The club hopes his return will stabilize a rotation posted 5.12 ERA.