Chicago Cubs right-hander Javier Assad could throw off a mound this week, but a stint on the injured list to begin the season is possible, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.
Assad is working his way back from a mild left oblique strain suffered early on in spring training. He could have enough time to ramp up for Opening Day if he doesn’t get back on the mound this week. Assad came into the camp as the presumed favorite to serve as the Cubs’ fifth starter. However, if he’s not ready, Colin Rea, Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown would compete to fill in.
Javier Assad Injury: Stint on Injured List Possible
Cubs pitchers Javier Assad (oblique soreness) and Brandon Birdsell (back shoulder/lat) are dealing with injuries per Counsell.
Assad is getting imaging today on his oblique and Cubs are trying to the bottom of Birdsell’s ailment.
— Meghan Montemurro (@mmontemurro.bsky.social) February 10, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Assad’s oblique injury came to light last week following an MRI that confirmed a mild strain. Manager Craig Counsell announced that the right-hander would be temporarily shut down from throwing to allow for recovery. The Cubs’ rotation will have to move forward without him for the time being, with Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd rounding out the starting staff.
Despite the setback, Assad remains a key part of the Cubs’ future. Last season, he impressed in his first year as a full-time starter, posting a 3.73 ERA across 29 starts, with 124 strikeouts and 63 walks in 147 innings. He had previously split time between the bullpen and the rotation in 2022 and 2023, but his transition to a consistent starting role marked a significant step forward.
Cubs’ Options If Assad Isn’t Ready
If Assad cannot return in time for the season opener, the Cubs will likely turn to Rea, who was signed as a free agent this offseason. Rea would be the most logical fill-in, but Wicks and Brown are also in contention for the spot. Brown, in particular, could be a wildcard, though the Cubs may opt to start him at Triple-A Iowa, keeping him stretched out as a starting option.
There is also a chance that Brown could begin the season in the bullpen, depending on how the Cubs decide to manage their roster and pitching depth. Regardless, the team will continue to monitor Assad’s recovery closely as they finalize their rotation plans.
Main Photo: © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
