Javier

Assad

Assad is facing a lengthy absence after suffering a Grade 2 oblique strain during his most recent rehab outing for Triple-A Iowa. The procedural move frees up a spot on Chicago’s 40-man roster.

Assad grabbed at his side and immediately left the contest while warming up for the fifth inning. He had thrown 67 pitches (40 strikes) through four frames. He’s been on the shelf since spring training working his way back from an oblique strain. There should be an update on his status in the coming days.

Assad is making his first rehab start after being placed on the IL in the spring with an oblique issue. The 27-year-old struck out four and walked one in the outing, while averaging 93 mph on his fastball, which is actually up from 91.8 mph last year. Assad had a 3.73 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 124/63 K/BB ratio in 147 innings for the Cubs last season. He could push Colin Rea or Ben Brown for a rotation spot after two more rehab starts.

As expected, Assad opens the regular season with a trip to the injured list after suffering a mild oblique strain back in mid-February. The 27-year-old righty should be ready to rejoin Chicago’s starting rotation at some point in April.

Assad hasn’t thrown a bullpen yet, but the hope is that the 27-year-old will throw his first of the spring next week. The 27-year-old has a mild oblique strain, and the Cubs are taking things slowly with the right-hander. Assad should join the Chicago rotation once healthy, but for now it could be Colin Rea making starts until Assad is ready to role.

The 27-year-old right-hander was slowed early in camp due to a mild oblique strain, but it sounds like he’s ready to start building back up. There’s still plenty of time for him to get ready in time for Opening Day, but fantasy managers should pay close attention to how quickly he is built up. Any further setbacks would likely result in Assad opening the season on the injured list.

This comes after Assad underwent an MRI on his oblique after dealing with some soreness. The right-hander still has plenty of time to be ready for Opening Day, but Chicago won’t rush the right-hander back and risk further injury. If healthy, Assad should pitch in the back of the Cubs’ rotation, but this could open a chance for Jordan Wicks or Ben Brown — among others — to win a spot in the Cactus League.

Counsell added that Assad will undergo additional imaging, including an MRI, which isn’t an encouraging development. The positive news here is that he still has plenty of time to recover and ramp-up his throwing program in advance of Opening Day. The 27-year-old righty, who posted a respectable 3.73 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 124/63 K/BB ratio across 147 innings (29 starts) last year, enters spring training in competition for the final spot in Chicago’s season-opening rotation. His absence could open the door for Colin Rea, Ben Brown or Jordan Wicks to break camp in the majors. There should be additional clarity on his status in the coming days.

Walker Buehler is one pitcher mentioned by Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. Another addition would seemingly drop Javier Assad from the projected rotation, even though he was quite effective in amassing a 3.73 ERA in 29 starts last season. Perhaps the Cubs could sign a starter and trade Jameson Taillon, who received interest at the trade deadline, but that doesn’t seem to be the current plan.

Assad gave up eight hits, walked three and struck out three. This was easily his worst start of the season. Assad had allowed more than four runs in one start all season prior to Wednesday’s game. Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and Kody Clemens all hit home runs off Assad. He finishes the year 7-6 with a 3.73 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 124 strikeouts in 147 innings. Assad had a 3.34 ERA entering play Wednesday, but his 4.61 xFIP suggests his ERA isn’t repeatable.