The Cubs are planning to promote right-hander Javier Assad to start the first game of tomorrow’s doubleheader against the Cardinals, manager David Ross told reporters (including Mark Gonzales). Chicago will need to formally select his contract, although that’s a formality considering they already have an opening on the 40-man roster.
It’ll be the first MLB appearance for the 25-year-old Assad, who has spent the past seven years progressing up the minor league ladder. A member of the organization’s 2015-16 international signing class, the Mexico native has a 3.96 ERA in a bit more than 500 professional innings. That includes a sterling 2.66 mark in 108 1/3 frames this year, split between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. Assad has fanned a solid 24.8% of opponents between the minors top two levels against just a 7.8% walk percentage.
The 6’1″ hurler has never been a top prospect, and the Cubs left him off the 40-man roster last offseason and were prepared to make him available to other teams in the Rule 5 draft (which never happened as a consequence of the lockout). There’s little quibbling with his results at the upper levels of the system this year, however, and he’s earned an opportunity to try to carve out a longer-term role on the pitching staff.
Chicago is without Kyle Hendricks, Adbert Alzolay, Keegan Thompson, Wade Miley and Alec Mills at present. Justin Steele has developed into a solid starter, and the Cubs have veterans Marcus Stroman and Drew Smyly taking consistent turns through the rotation. Journeyman Adrian Sampson has done a nice job holding a spot at the back end, but Thompson’s placement on the injured list over the weekend leaves a vacancy in the regular starting five.
Only time will tell if he kicks Assad, or if MLB hitters will blank him up the Assad.
I just hope he doesn’t make an Assad of himself.
This dude has quietly rebuilt some prospect stock this year.
Not Assad day for him and his family
Assad he would be called up soon, and I was correct.
Every cowboy sings Assad sad song
This one was good.
Cub puns write themselves
While the Sox’ joke is their disappointing season.
Assad hurler for a sad franchise
Will it be Assad- er day, when Jerry announces Tony will be back as mgr for 2023, or when Moncada gets an extension, or when Grandal gets off the IL?
Don’t quit your day jobs.
Assad Assad Assad. Did I say it enough times?? Hee Hee FuNnY!!
Can’t spell FuNnY without NY
You didn’t even try.
Assad Nestor me up.
The other Javier Assad he left Chicago for Detroit.
I believe the Cubs are showcasing him for a future trade.
It’s possible because the Cubs have way too many candidates for the 40-man overall. But with Hendricks’ health status and effectiveness both questionable, I think they will keep Assad and let him shuttle between Iowa and Chicago, maybe transitioning to the 3 inning reliever role which Thompson had at the beginning of this season before all the rotation injuries.
Trust me Steve and Brick, if Assad shows any promise that he could help the Cubs next year, he will be treasured- they would have no desire to trade a potential starting pitcher. Now, if someone is looking for a young, RH hitting OFer, the Cubs would be happy to discuss that with them.
There are 5 40 man slots that can be opened up right now. EASILY 5. Schwindel, Rivas, are behind Mervis and Young at IOWA! Bote is owed penuts for the next 2 years and really has no use anymore. Miley? Why is he even still here? Sept. Playoff push? Mills , Hermisillo, and just look at the list and you’ll see lots of weeds that can be dug out easily.
Assad might get his brains beat in today, but he really deserves the call up, as opposed to various organizational filler such as Luke Farrell and Matt Swarmer. Hopefully they don’t burn the option on him and let him take Thompson’s role in the rotation for three or four starts.
Brains beat in? I’m sure it won’t be THAT bad… geez.
Well I hope he does well, but even if he gives up 5 ER in 2 2/3 (the metaphorical equivalent of getting his brains beat in), it’s still better than seeing Luke Farrell.
It’s surprising to me how few Mexico born players make it to MLB. Especially after Fernando Valenzuela being a star in the 1980’s. I can only think of a couple guys offhand currently Julio Urias and Alejandro Kirk. Of course there’s Oliver Perez but I think he’s winding his career down. It just seems weird the majority of foreign born players come from the DR when Mexico is much closer.
Do you think it might have something to do with the quality of the competition they play with/vs, as they grow up? As well as the emphasis on that sport, in their respective countries.
Mexico has the second best league on the continent, no?
Urias, Gallegos, Urquidy
Look at their culture and size.. they gravitate towards soccer and boxing. And now as if late mma.
@Mercenary: I was thinking that exact same thing the other day while watching an old Fernando start.
Asad has earned at least this start and maybe more. He’s just more proof that Hawkins Minor League instructional staff led by Mosko is finally teaching the Cubs young arms how to move up through the system. With 2020 and 2021 being mostly wasted development seasons teams throughout baseball are facing guys being bunched up through the system and being fast tracked. Hawkins is doing a really nice job of drafting and developing arms so now lets see if Hoyer is his own man or follows the Theo method of trading all the draft picks for other talent. There are great arms all through the system. Callis and friends even moved them up to 10th in the farm rankings but ranking them below the Rangers is an insult. So if a fool like him noticed maybe other people will believe what I’ve been saying for 6 months. There is a plan, hope they stick to it.
Of course the first Syrian player in MLB history would be Bashar’s son…
Good start for Javier, out-pitched Wainwright today, the future looks bright!
Cubs are finally starting to produce a steady stream of mlb arms. I can’t wait to see what they can do with these top recent draft picks.
4 IP, 4 BB, 4 H, 0 R… he did not out-pitch anyone. He got very lucky.