Cubs' Boyd likely out six weeks after injuring knee playing with kids

Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd went 2-1 through his first five starts this season. File Photo by Laurence Kesterson/UPI

May 7 (UPI) -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd underwent left knee surgery and is expected to miss six weeks, manager Craig Counsell announced Thursday.

The Cubs placed Boyd on the 15‑day injured list Wednesday with a meniscus injury. To fill the roster spot, they selected pitcher Trent Thornton from Triple‑A Iowa and designated pitcher Charlie Barnes for assignment.

On Thursday, Chicago recalled pitcher Gavin Hollowell from Triple‑A and designated pitcher Corbin Martin for assignment.

"It's minor meniscus surgery," Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters. "We know he's going to miss a month or six weeks -- probably closer to six weeks with getting him ramped back up. That's what we are hopeful for. Obviously, we'll see how it all goes.

"I think the important thing is, how much time do we miss throwing? That's probably the biggest thing. The knee is going to recover quickly, but how much throwing downtime do we have to take."

Boyd was 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA through five starts this season. The left-handed pitcher was 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA over 31 starts last season en route to his first All-Star selection.

Boyd allowed four hits and two runs over six innings -- his second win of the season -- over Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday in Chicago. He was to pitch again Friday.

Counsell told reporters Wednesday that Boyd was hurt going to the ground and getting back up while playing with his children at home.