"You don't know if the opportunity is ever going to present itself again. So it's an honor. I mean, 162 games is a long season. It's really cool to be out there to start it out."
"You earn these things. And Matthew has earned this with how he's pitched last year and since coming back from an injury. He had a great season last year. He's a very important player for us, and we're excited to give him the ball on Opening Day."
Matthew Boyd chose to leave Team USA and the World Baseball Classic to serve as the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day starter against the Angels on March 26. Boyd had not started an Opening Day game since 2021 and recognized this opportunity might not come again. Manager Craig Counsell and Boyd had discussed the possibility beforehand. While younger pitcher Cade Horton may be the staff ace, Counsell emphasized that Opening Day starts are earned through performance, and Boyd's strong previous season and recovery from injury warranted the honor. Boyd expressed gratitude for the opportunity to start the 162-game season.
Read at Cubsinsider
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