The Guardians have officially announced the signing of lefty Matthew Boyd to a major league contract for the remainder of the season.
Boyd agreed to a deal earlier this week and passed medical tests.
While the Guardians desperately need depth in their pitching rotation, the move won’t provide immediate relief.
Boyd made 15 starts last season with the Detroit Tigers before partially spraining his UCL on June 26, 2023, which required reconstructive surgery. Following the signing, the Guardians placed the pitcher on the 15-day IL as he is still recovering from surgery.
It’s not a splashy move that Guardians fans would hope for, and Boyd’s numbers from last season certainly aren’t great. Before being shut down, the 33-year old went 5-5 with a 5.45 ERA.
But, adding a veteran lefty is a low-risk acquisition for the team that will add protection and depth in the second half of the season and into the post season.
Over his 9-season career in Major League Baseball, Boyd has put up a record of 44-67 with a 4.94 ERA and 845 strikeouts over 174 games/160 career starts.
Chris Antonetti did not give a time table on when Boyd will be ready to make his debut for the Guardians, but that doesn’t mean help isn’t on the way. While there hasn’t been an official announcement on the return of Gavin Williams, all signs are pointing to the righty returning to Cleveland sooner rather than later. The team has also activated RHP Eli Morgan from the 15-day IL, bringing back a much-needed piece in the bullpen.
To make room, Darren McCaughan has been optioned to AAA Columbus and Zak Kent has been designated for assignment.
