Matthew Boyd

The 34-year-old hurler allowed four hits in the game, all of them singles, and also issued three free passes. Despite the traffic on the basepaths, Boyd stayed in control the entire time and the Diamondbacks never had a runner reach third base against him. He got 11 whiffs on 92 pitches in the game -- three or more on each of his fastball, changeup and slider -- while posting a CSW of 27 percent. He exited with a 3-0 lead and in line for a victory, but the Cubs' bullpen wouldn't oblige. The schedule doesn't get any easier for him, as he'll take on two more elite offenses his next two times out -- against the Padres at home on Saturday and then against the Dodgers in Los Angeles the following weekend. If he makes it through that gauntlet unscathed, fantasy managers may really have something special on their hands.

Taillon finds himself sandwiched between Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, who will take the ball on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. Nothing official regarding who will draw the starting assignment for Sunday's series finale in Arizona, but we're anticipating that nod going to either Matthew Boyd or Ben Brown. The other would presumably start Monday's series opener against the Athletics in Sacramento, which would put them in line for a two-start week.

Rooker tagged Cubs' left-hander Matthew Boyd for a solo shot in the opening inning to get the A's on the board. He was then hit by a pitch in the third inning, reaching base safely in both of his plate appearances. The 30-year-old slugger is now hitting .263 (10-for-38) with three long balls and a whopping 11 RBI during Cactus League play.

The 34-year-old southpaw walked one and struck out three batters on the afternoon. Boyd served up a pair of solo home runs in the contest -- one to Brent Rooker in the opening inning and another to Max Schuemann in the fifth. He finishes Cactus League play with an unappealing 6.59 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and a 12/6 K/BB ratio across 13 2/3 innings of work.

The Cubs added star power in the Kyle Tucker trade, but otherwise made modest additions despite several other big swings. Major League Signings Matthew Boyd, SP: two years, $29MM. Includes $15MM mutual option for 2027 with a $2MM buyout Carson Kelly, C: two years, $11.5MM. Includes $7.5MM mutual option for 2027 with a $1.5MM buyout…