Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Javier Assad may throw off a mound this week, but according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, there is a possibility he could start the season on the injured list.
Javier Assad is recovering from a mild left oblique strain he sustained early in spring training. He may still have time to prepare for Opening Day if he doesn’t return to the mound this week. Assad entered camp as the likely candidate to be the Cubs’ fifth starter, but if he’s not ready, Colin Rea, Jordan Wicks, and Ben Brown will compete for the spot.
Javier Assad Injury: Stint on Injured List Possible
Javier Assad’s oblique injury was confirmed last week following an MRI, which revealed a mild strain. As a result, manager Craig Counsell announced that the right-hander would be temporarily shut down from throwing to allow for recovery. For now, the Cubs will move forward without him, with Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd filling out the starting rotation.
Despite the setback, Assad remains a key piece for 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. Previously, he had split time between the bullpen and the rotation in 2022 and 2023, but his shift to a consistent starting role marked significant progress.
Cubs’ Options If Assad Isn’t Ready
If Assad isn’t ready for Opening Day, the Cubs will likely turn to Colin Rea, who was signed as a free agent this offseason. Rea is the most logical choice to fill in, though Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown are also in contention. Brown, in particular, could be a wildcard, but the Cubs might choose to start him at Triple-A Iowa to keep him stretched out as a potential starting option.
There’s also a chance Brown could start the season in the bullpen, depending on the Cubs’ roster and pitching depth decisions. Regardless, the team will continue closely monitoring Assad’s recovery as they finalize their rotation plans.
