Chicago Cubs veteran starting pitcher stresses the importance of going deep into games

Despite a rough past week for the Chicago Cubs, their starting pitching remained consistent like it has been all season long through early-May. Their rotation was the strongest part of their squad in 2024, but injuries have made that tough to follow this spring. Justin Steele went down for the season in mid-April and Shota Imanaga strained his hamstring in Milwaukee over a week ago, so depth has become an issue for the unit. The Cubs were able to take the opening game of the San Francisco series last Monday, which was the first of just two games that they won in that six-game stretch.

Chicago followed up their massive series opening victory by dropping three straight contests for the first time all season. It’s impressive that this was the first time that the team had done this in 2025, as they had a gauntlet that they needed to complete to begin the campaign. Out of there first 29 games of the year, 20 of the Cubs’ battles came against the Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks. They managed to stay above .500 in these games, as they went 11-9.

After Sunday’s loss at Citi Field, one the club’s more consistent starters this season spoke on how important it is for the rotation to take care of business this year.

Matthew Boyd stresses Chicago Cubs’ starters going deep into games

Following his start in the series finale against the Mets, Matthew Boyd spoke to the media about the importance of the current rotation going as deep into games as possible.

“That’s our job as a starter, it’s always important,” Boyd said. “The bullpen’s been amazing for us, and it doesn’t change what’s been happening. The bullpen’s been money for us and they’ve been doing a lot for us down there.”

The bullpen has received plenty of criticism so far this year after not being able to hold onto a handful of leads. While guys like Porter Hodge have been relatively consistent, there are still way more questions than answers in the stable as the summer nears. Boyd was sharp once again on Sunday, as he allowed just two runs in six innings for the second straight start. He now has a 3-2 record with a 2.78 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 45.1 innings tossed this year.

The Chicago Cubs’ could use some starting pitching depth

Even though Imanaga could be back around the beginning of June, the Cubs front office could look to add some depth in the rotation down the stretch. Names like Brad Keller and Sandy Alcantara have been floated around on the rumor mill, and either would be great additions to the current unit.

Alcantara has had a rough start to the 2025 campaign, so his price could be much more reasonable for Chicago to make a solid offer on now compared to what it would have been at the beginning of the year. Keller has been the definition of consistent for the Pirates since the 2021 season and has kept a clean bill of health in the process, making him another suitable candidate for the front office to pursue.