The Chicago Cubs activated right-hander Javier Assad (forearm) from the 15-day injured list on Saturday, and he will start Game 2 of the team's doubleheader against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals. Assad initially landed on the IL on June 27 with a right-forearm strain, but he's ready to return to Chicago's rotation right before next week's All-Star break. The 26-year-old started the year off strong for Chicago before struggling more recently right before he landed on the shelf. Still, he's sporting a decent 3.04 ERA (4.17 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 33 walks in 83 innings pitched over his 16 starts. In his lone start against the Cardinals on May 26, he took the loss while giving up four earned runs in five innings, although he did strikeout a season-high eight batters. Assad should be rostered in deep-mixed fantasy leagues for starting depth, but he'll be a bit risky as a streamer on Saturday in his first MLB start since June 23.
Chicago Cubs right-hander Javier Assad (forearm) was set to throw a bullpen session before Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the visiting Los Angeles Angels. Assad went on the 15-day injured more than a week ago with a right-forearm extensor strain and is just now ready to throw off a mound again. Depending how the 26-year-old comes out of his bullpen session on Friday, there's a chance we could see him return to Chicago's starting rotation right before the All-Star break in mid-July. Assad has been relevant in most fantasy leagues in 2024 in his third season in the majors, as he's currently carrying a 4-3 record, a career-best 3.04 ERA (4.16 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP with a career-high 22.3% percent strikeout rate and a 9.3% walk rate in 83 innings over 16 starts.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (forearm) played catch ahead of Sunday's game against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. It marks the resumption of Assad's throwing program after going on the injured list on Thursday due to a right forearm extensor strain. Even so, the 26-year-old right-hander remains unlikely to rejoin Chicago's rotation before the mid-July All-Star break. In 16 starts this year, Assad has produced a 3.04 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 33 walks in 83 innings for the Cubs and makes for a decent stash in most fantasy leagues. Righty swingman Hayden Wesneski will draw Tuesday's start at home, but he won't be a recommended DFS play or streaming option against a short-handed but dangerous Philadelphia Phillies lineup.
The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Javier Assad (forearm) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to Monday) on Thursday with a right-forearm extensor strain. In corresponding moves, the Cubs signed right-hander Vinny Nittoli and moved right-hander Yency Almonte (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. Assad's injury could help explain why he hasn't been as good in June, posting a 5.49 ERA with a .304 average against with 12 earned runs allowed in 19 2/3 innings over his four starts. Given the timing of the injury, the 26-year-old will not be able to rejoin the Cubbies' starting rotation until after the All-Star break in mid-July. It's unclear who will take Assad's rotation spot for an upcoming matchup this weekend against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. Heading into June, Assad had an ERA under 3.00.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad stifled the Atlanta Braves for six sharp innings of four-hit baseball on Wednesday. Assad got the win, bringing his record to 4-0 while lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.49, good for fourth-best in MLB. He had all of his pitches working Wednesday, tying a season-high seven strikeouts while allowing only one walk. Alongside lefty Shota Imanaga, Assad has given the Cubs one of the best 1-2 punches in all of baseball, with neither pitcher allowing more than two earned runs in a game all season. Assad looks to keep the streak intact with another start against these Braves in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad continued his strong campaign during Sunday's start against the Milwaukee Brewers. The right-hander allowed only four hits over six scoreless innings during Sunday's win. The 26-year-old struck out four hitters while walking three batters during this outing. The Brewers got a few baserunners, but could never do anything with them. Assad has done a great job of limiting the damage throughout this season. He'll carry a 1.66 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 31/12 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad has been one of the most underrated pitchers this season. The right-hander continued his strong campaign against the Houston Astros on Thursday. Assad threw 5 2/3 innings while allowing only one run in a no-decision. The Cubs didn't decide to make noise with the bats until Assad was out of the game. Despite the no-decision, Assad remains a sleeper in fantasy leagues. His next matchup will come against the New York Mets next week.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad put together a quality start in his first outing of the season in Tuesday's victory versus the Colorado Rockies. Assad went six innings and allowed four hits, one walk and struck out five on the evening. Assad did not allow many balls to be put in play or hit hard against the Rockies and sailed his way to victory. Assad is pitching to stay in the rotation when Justin Steele (hamstring) and Jameson Taillon (back) eventually return, but he has been solid dating back to 2023. The worst-case scenario for Assad is that he'll be turned into a swingman, but he may not have to worry about if he continues to throw as he has. For now, he is best served as a streaming option and draws a tough matchup versus the San Diego Padres that he can be left on the bench for.
Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks The Favorites For Final Rotation Spot?
The Chicago Cubs have Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Kyle Hendricks, and Shota Imanaga locked into the top four spots in their starting rotation to begin the 2024 season, with Javier Assad, Drew Smyly, Hayden Wesneski and Jordan Wicks battling for the final spot in spring training. Right now, Assad and Wicks might have the edge for the fifth spot, but it's a coin flip, according to MLB's Jordan Bastian. Manager Craig Counsell wants to maintain flexibility with the last rotation spot, meaning there could be a shuttle between Triple-A Iowa and Chicago to build in extra rest for the starters. If Smyly doesn't win the job, he should fit in the bullpen. Assad, 26, had a strong 3.05 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 109 1/3 innings in 2023. Wicks, 24, a former first-rounder, had a 4.41 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in just 34 2/3 innings in his rookie season.
Javier Assad, Drew Smyly, Hayden Wesneski In Mix For No. 5 Role
Chicago Cubs pitchers Javier Assad, Drew Smyly, and Hayden Wesneski are expected to compete for the fifth starting pitcher role during Spring Training, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. Former first-round pick Jordan Wicks is also in the mix, but Bastian notes that he's likely "better served" opening the year at Triple-A. That leaves three pitchers for presumably just one spot in the rotation, assuming the top four starters remain healthy and productive this spring. All three hurlers have potential; Assad limited hits and runs last year, Wesneski boasted a .224 OBA and 10.67 K/9 following the All-Star Break, and Smyly is a lefty with plenty of MLB experience. The two odd men out will be top candidates for a shift to the bullpen, even if temporary.
