Cubs Pitcher Javier Assad to Begin Rehab Start Wednesday

Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad is inching closer to a return after missing most of the season with a left oblique injury. The 27-year-old, soon turning 28, has been grinding through rehab since aggravating the injury earlier this year.

Manager Craig Counsell and the Cubs seem pretty hopeful. They think Assad could make a real impact as they chase the NL Central crown while summer heats up.

Javier Assad’s Battle with Injury

Assad’s left oblique strain has been a stubborn problem since spring training, limiting his time on the mound. He first hurt it before the 2023 campaign and then re-injured it in April during a rehab stint.

For a pitcher who’d just broken out as a key starter last season, sitting out so much has to be maddening. But lately, things are looking up for Assad.

Last Thursday, he tossed three scoreless innings in a rehab outing in the Arizona Complex League. Now, he’s set for another test this week with a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa.

Assad and the Cubs are crossing their fingers that this is the final step before he’s back in the big leagues.

A Glance Back at Assad’s 2024 Breakout Season

Assad really started turning heads in 2024. His steady pitching helped anchor the Cubs’ rotation.

The righty finished with a 7-6 record and a 3.73 ERA across 29 starts—a career high. Over three seasons in the majors, he’s put up a 14-11 record with a 3.40 ERA in 70 appearances, with 23 coming out of the bullpen.

Assad has earned a reputation as a reliable arm. The Cubs need that now more than ever, especially with their pitching staff looking pretty battered.

Cubs’ Rotation Troubles: Why Assad’s Return is Crucial

The Cubs’ pitching staff is in rough shape. Jameson Taillon is also trying to work his way back, and losing Justin Steele to season-ending elbow surgery was a gut punch.

With two key starters gone, the rotation feels dangerously thin. It’s hard not to worry about their playoff chances slipping away.

Counsell says Assad will be ready as a starter, but they might use him out of the bullpen if needed. At this point, flexibility is everything.

What Assad Brings to the Table

Assad’s big strengths are his command and knack for keeping hitters off balance. He’s not a flamethrower, but he mixes his pitches and gets groundballs and weak contact.

He stays calm on the mound, which helps in stressful moments. That’s something the Cubs could really use as the postseason race tightens up.

Assad’s return might be just what the Cubs need to patch up their rotation and keep their playoff hopes alive. Whether he starts or comes out of the bullpen, his presence could make a real difference down the stretch.

Looking Ahead: The Impact on the Cubs’ Playoff Aspirations

For Cubs fans, the NL Central race is all anyone can talk about right now. The division’s still up for grabs, and every single game feels huge.

Javier Assad’s return adds some real intrigue to this stretch. The pitching staff badly needs a boost, and honestly, he could shake things up as the Cubs chase a playoff spot.

By mid-August, there’s a real chance fans will see Assad back on the mound at Wrigley, pitching in games that matter. He’s said in interviews that he’s ready to help in any way, showing just how much he cares about the team.

 
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