"Man, it's an honor. I'm so grateful to be the guy who gets the ball on that day. Obviously it's a game just like the rest of the other 162, but I'm super grateful. Opening Day, it is really something that is truly special. I understand how much it means to Chicago fans and how much it means to my own family."
"It sounds like wasn't QUITE a situation where Boyd was deciding to abandon Team USA in favor of the Cubs, but instead it was a matter of looking at the schedule, the likely usage by Team USA, and where it would leave Boyd in preparation for the season. If he were going to be starting Opening Day, it would make the most sense for him to come back to Cubs camp so he could be on routine for a full stretch-out start."
Matthew Boyd's journey through injuries and multiple teams culminated in an All-Star 2025 season with the Cubs, earning him the Opening Day start at Wrigley Field. This assignment holds special significance as Boyd's late grandfather was from Chicago. Boyd departed Team USA to prepare for the season, prioritizing his routine and conditioning for the Opening Day start. He expressed gratitude for the honor, acknowledging the significance of Opening Day to Chicago fans and his family. Boyd will start Sunday with one additional spring training start before Opening Day, positioning him optimally for a full stretch-out performance.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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