It took some quick hands for Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd to avoid significant harm on Friday.
Boyd was pitching in the fifth inning of the Cubs’ game against the Seattle Mariners when J.P. Crawford clubbed a 104.7 mph line drive right back at him. The ball seemed destined for Boyd’s head, but fortunately his glove got there faster.
Crawford was visibly worried for a moment before seeing Boyd had caught the ball, then just looked stunned. Meanwhile, Boyd’s father was just loving life.
The Cubs were leading at the time of the comebacker, but ended up losing 9-4 in an offensive onslaught led by MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh.
Boyd was solid overall, allowing two hits, two runs (both earned) and two walks while striking out six in five innings. He’s in his first season with Chicago after signing a two-year, $29 million contract in free agency last winter. So far the contract has been a success, given his 2.84 ERA in 15 starts in 2025.
