Boyd, who improved to 6-3 and lowered his ERA to 2.79 with a great performance Saturday, caught Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham off first base for his major-league-leading sixth pickoff, erasing a walk that stood as the only baserunner he allowed after a home run in the first inning.

The Chicago Cubs are on top of the NL Central with a depleted rotation. The quiet consistency of Matthew Boyd is a major reason for their success. Boyd has pitched at least six innings and allowed three earned runs or fewer in 10 of his 14 starts with his new team.

The Chicago Cubs have had a pretty charmed 2025 so far. They’re in first place atop the NL Central Division. They possess one of the most potent and versatile offenses in the game.