The Cleveland Guardians have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd on a major league contract, multiple sources reported Thursday. The deal, pending a physical, marks Boyd’s return to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. Boyd, 33, has been primarily a starter throughout his nine-year career, spending eight seasons with the Detroit Tigers, a division rival of the Guardians.
Boyd started 15 games for the Tigers last season, posting a 5-5 record with a 5.45 ERA before a partial UCL sprain in his throwing elbow sidelined him in June. Over his career, Boyd has compiled a 44-67 record with a 4.94 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP across 174 career appearances, including 160 starts. His standout season came in 2019 with Detroit, where he notched career-highs in innings pitched (185 1/3) and strikeouts (238).
The Guardians, who lead the AL Central with a 51-27 record, hope Boyd’s veteran presence and experience will bolster their rotation as they aim for a deep playoff run. Boyd’s addition comes at a crucial time as Cleveland looks to maintain its narrow lead over the New York Yankees for the American League’s best record.
In a related move on Thursday, the Guardians placed outfielder Will Brennan on the 10-day injured list due to rib cage inflammation, retroactive to Monday. Brennan, 26, has been a reliable contributor, batting .256 with eight home runs and 24 RBIs in 68 games this season.
To fill the roster gaps, Cleveland recalled shortstop Jose Tena and right-hander Darren McCaughan from Triple-A Columbus, while optioning right-hander Xzavion Curry to Columbus. Tena, 23, has previously played 18 games for the Guardians this season, hitting .226. He has been performing well in Triple-A, batting .293 with 14 homers and 56 RBIs over 73 games.
McCaughan, 28, has appeared in one game for Cleveland this season, allowing two runs over two innings for a 9.00 ERA. Acquired from the Miami Marlins on May 9, McCaughan had a rough outing with Miami, yielding nine hits and eight runs in 4 2/3 innings.
Curry, 25, has struggled in his four games (three starts) with Cleveland this season, recording a 0-2 record with a 5.74 ERA, alongside three walks and nine strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings.
As the Guardians prepare to face the Minnesota Twins and further solidify their division lead, Boyd’s signing and the recent roster adjustments reflect the team’s commitment to strengthening their lineup for the season’s second half. With a 7 1/2-game lead over the Twins, Cleveland remains focused on sustaining their momentum and ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges ahead in their quest for postseason success.
