Chicago Cubs

Matthew Boyd

SP

As long as inclement weather doesn't force the Cubs to alter their rotation, Boyd appears poised to start Thursday's game on the road against the Mets. The veteran left-hander has been shelved since early May, first due to meniscus surgery and later because of shoulder soreness. He's collected a 6.00 ERA and 31:6 K:BB over 24 innings covering five starts for the Cubs this season.

Riley Martin

RP

Back on April 27, Martin was diagnosed with a left elbow flexor strain, an injury that was expected to keep him on the shelf for about eight weeks. Though he was recently able to start throwing again, Martin has yet to advance to facing hitters and looks as though he'll wind up missing more time than originally anticipated. Martin had gotten off to a strong start to the season prior to being shelved, posting a 2.16 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB in 8.1 innings over eight appearances.

Daniel Palencia

RP

Manager Craig Counsell said that Palencia will be shut down from throwing for about a week, at which point the team will re-evaluate him. A clearer timeline for his return to the bullpen may emerge once he's cleared to begin a throwing program. In the meantime, Caleb Thielbar, Jacob Webb and Phil Maton all figure to be in the mix for saves.

Jaxon Wiggins

SP

One of the Cubs' top pitching prospects, Wiggins made just two starts for Triple-A Iowa this season before landing on the shelf April 15 due to right elbow inflammation. After a prolonged shutdown, Wiggins is ramping back up again and looks like he'll be ready to begin a rehab assignment in the lower levels of the minors in the near future.

Justin Steele

SP

Steele underwent UCL revision surgery last May and then had a setback in late April when he was diagnosed with a flexor strain. The left-hander will be ramped back up slowly, and while the Cubs hope Steele can contribute at some point after the All-Star break, there is no target date for his return.