Cubs Pitcher Matthew Boyd Discusses Unusual Meniscus Injury Playing with Kids

In the unpredictable world of baseball, injuries can come from the most unexpected places. Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd recently joined the ranks of players with bizarre injury stories, sharing that he tore his meniscus while bending down to play with his kids. This incident, which occurred in early May, has drawn attention not just for its peculiarity but also for the lighthearted way Boyd addressed it.

During a candid appearance on the “Foul Territory” podcast, Boyd clarified the circumstances surrounding his injury. He was simply engaging with his son, who was focused on building with Legos. As he bent down to join in, he heard a distinct pop in his knee. While Boyd initially felt no pain, he quickly realized that he couldn’t straighten his leg or bear weight on it.

Boyd explained that he suspected the meniscus tear had been a lingering issue, exacerbated by the sudden movement. “I didn’t just cause my meniscus tear by bending over one time,” he noted, indicating that the injury was likely a result of prior wear and tear.

After undergoing surgery to repair the damage, Boyd impressively returned to throwing the very next day. He recently made a rehab start and is optimistic about rejoining the Cubs lineup in June. Despite the unusual nature of his injury, Boyd made it clear that his children were not to blame for his predicament. “Not my kids’ fault,” he emphasized. “My kids didn’t take me out.”

Entering the 2026 season, Boyd had high hopes following a standout 2025 campaign where he earned his first All-Star selection, posting a solid 3.21 ERA over 179 2/3 innings. However, his 2026 season has already been marred by injuries, including an earlier arm issue in April. As he works to overcome these setbacks, Boyd aims to build on the success he achieved last year.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.