Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided Jordan Bastian of MLB.com an update today on injured right-hander Javier Assad. Assad recently suffered a Grade 2 strain of his left oblique and will be shut down. Counsell didn’t provide a specific timeline but even moderate strains can lead to absences of weeks or even months, so Assad won’t be returning to the club in the near term.
It’s an unfortunate blow for Assad and the Cubs. The right-hander’s battle with this oblique problem goes back months now. Way back in early February, just as camp opened, it was reported that he was experiencing some side tightness. He was eventually diagnosed with a mild strain of his left oblique and started the season on the 15-day injured list.
Not too long ago, he seemed on track for a fairly quick return. He started a rehab assignment by tossing 3 1/3 innings for Triple-A Iowa on April 15th. But in his second rehab outing, on April 22nd, he experienced some renewed soreness after tossing four innings in that game. Earlier this week, Counsell said that Assad would be heading to Chicago for some further tests, which apparently found this strain.
Prior to this setback, he seemed on the cusp of a return to the big league team. That timing would have worked out well for the Cubs, as they recently lost Justin Steele to UCL surgery. Instead, the Cubs will have to proceed without Steele or Assad for at least a few weeks.
Swingman Colin Rea stepped up take a rotation spot when Steele hit the IL. His first start saw him go 3 2/3 against the Dodgers, allowing one run. He then went 4 2/3 against the Diamondbacks, again allowing just one earned run. He got up to 69 pitches in that latter start, so he’s close to fully stretched out at this point.
As of a few weeks ago, it seemed likely that Assad was going to bump Rea back to a long relief role. Now that Assad is going to stay on the shelf a while longer, that will presumably allow Rea to hold a rotation job for the foreseeable future. The other four spots are taken by Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon and Ben Brown.
It’s less than ideal but the Cubs seem to be in a decent position to weather these injuries. Imanaga and Boyd both have ERAs under 3.00 so far, while Taillon and Brown are both under 5.00. As mentioned, Rea has only allowed one earned run in each of his two starts. Should a need for another starter arise, the Cubs have a couple of former first-round picks in Iowa. Jordan Wicks hasn’t clicked in the majors yet but is a former top prospect. Cade Horton hasn’t yet cracked the majors but is one of the top pitching prospects in the league and has a 1.06 Triple-A ERA this year. They also have veteran Chris Flexen at Iowa on a minor league deal and he has an ERA of 0.40 through four starts.
It was reported last week that the club planned to use internal options to cover for Steele’s absence. Those plans surely included Assad but this new injury likely won’t change the short-term goals. There will surely be intriguing pitching options available at the trade deadline but they’re harder to get now. While some clubs will eventually pivot into sell mode, most are still clinging to hopes of contention at this point. A free agent like Spencer Turnbull wouldn’t provide any immediate help, as he would need a few weeks of ramping up after missing spring training.
The Cubs will likely proceed with their current rotation, though the plans could perhaps be changed by future injuries or one of the guys in Iowa forcing their way into the picture. Assad could be back in the mix later in the year but the Cubs would also be justified in being cautious in the wake of this setback.
Photo courtesy of Kyle Ross, Imagn Images
Welp.
Nothing else to add? Is there something especially cool about being the first to say something without actually saying anything? “Welp” is the new “Wow”.
You got him good, bothe
What you prefer me to say?
The Impact of Javier Assad’s Oblique Injury on the Chicago Cubs
In the long grind of a Major League Baseball season, injuries are inevitable. However, some setbacks carry more weight than others. For the Chicago Cubs, the recent oblique injury to starting pitcher Javier Assad is a significant blow. Expected to miss approximately a month of action, Assad’s absence forces the Cubs into a period of adjustment at a time when early-season momentum is critical. His injury not only weakens the rotation but also creates ripple effects that extend to the bullpen, player development, team morale, and the front office’s strategy.
A Key Loss in the Rotation
Javier Assad had become a crucial piece of the Cubs’ rotation. Coming off a strong 2024 season in which he posted a 3.73 ERA across 29 starts, Assad was viewed as a reliable middle-of-the-rotation arm with the potential to continue improving. He brings poise, command, and consistency — qualities that are especially valuable during stretches when the bullpen is overworked or the offense is slumping. Losing such a stabilizing force disrupts not just the rotation order but also the pitching staff’s rhythm as a whole.
With Assad sidelined, the Cubs must look to their depth. Potential replacements like Colin Rea, Jordan Wicks, and Ben Brown are capable, but none bring the same level of polish and recent success. Rea, a veteran, has shown flashes of competence, while Wicks and Brown represent younger options who may still be refining their game. Depending on who steps in, the Cubs may see increased variability in performance, which could lead to more pressure on the offense to produce runs and more innings needed from the bullpen.
The Domino Effect on the Bullpen
Starting pitching depth isn’t the only concern. Assad’s absence can create a chain reaction that places a heavier burden on the bullpen. If the fill-in starter is unable to consistently pitch into the sixth or seventh inning, bullpen arms will be used more frequently. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, overuse, and diminished effectiveness from key relievers.
For a team hoping to contend, bullpen management is crucial. The Cubs cannot afford to overwork arms like Adbert Alzolay or Julian Merryweather, both of whom are vital in late-inning situations. In turn, this could force manager Craig Counsell to use middle relievers in high-leverage spots, which may not yield the same results. The Cubs are already navigating a competitive division, and even small shifts in bullpen reliability can turn close games into losses.
Team Morale and Mental Impact
Injuries can also affect team morale, especially when they involve players who are well-liked and contribute consistently. Assad has been regarded as a team-first player with a calm demeanor on the mound, someone who inspires confidence in teammates. His injury, therefore, is not just a tactical loss, but an emotional one as well.
When teams lose key contributors, the psychological toll can be significant. Players may begin to press, trying to make up for the absence. Young starters might feel pressure to perform beyond their experience, and offensive players might try to overcompensate, leading to poor at-bats or defensive mistakes. In a game built on rhythm and confidence, maintaining team chemistry and morale is essential during a player’s absence.
Strategic and Developmental Implications
Beyond the immediate effects, Assad’s injury raises strategic questions for the Cubs’ front office. If the replacement options struggle, the team may be forced to look outside the organization for temporary solutions — perhaps a minor trade, a waiver claim, or even fast-tracking a prospect from Triple-A. These are not ideal moves early in the season, especially when long-term development plans could be disrupted.
Furthermore, Assad’s injury complicates the club’s ability to evaluate the full potential of its starting rotation. If Assad misses four or more starts, the team may lose out on valuable data about his long-term role, contract value, and how he fits into the future core. Injuries are never well-timed, but in the early stages of a competitive window, they can be especially inconvenient.
Timing in the Schedule
The Cubs’ schedule over the next month adds another layer of complexity. Upcoming series against the Phillies, Pirates, Brewers, and Mets are all important in setting the tone for the season. These games are not just winnable — they are also against teams the Cubs may be battling in the standings come September. Missing Assad during this stretch could mean losing a competitive edge in key matchups, especially against divisional rivals like Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.
Assad was slated to face tough lineups and help neutralize some dangerous hitters. Without him, the Cubs must rely on less experienced pitchers in these matchups, which could tip the balance in close games. A few additional losses in this stretch could have long-term consequences in the playoff race.
A Test of Depth and Resilience
Ultimately, the Cubs’ response to Assad’s injury will serve as an early-season test of their depth, coaching, and mental toughness. Championship-caliber teams find ways to adapt to adversity. Whether it’s by stepping up offensively, patching innings together creatively, or relying on unsung heroes from the farm system, successful teams survive injuries like these without derailing their season.
If the Cubs can tread water during Assad’s absence and bring him back healthy in a month, the injury might be seen as a minor speed bump. But if they stumble and lose ground in the standings, this short-term injury could have lasting effects on their playoff hopes.
Say less
Wow, that’s a lot of words
Too bad I’m not reading them
Welp is more than enough from They( Them).
@Q
So far, all you’ve said is ‘Welp’. Using ChatGPT to write your replies for you doesn’t count.
Well that stinks. But it might be time for Horton to hit the big time. Not like they don’t have anyone they can kick off the 40 man to make room. Still not really interested in Flexen except if things go way bad. It’s OK unless Rea or Boyd start to get rocked.
Boyd is not the answer, and Rea is more like a question than an answer. They’ve both been doing well, but if (more like when) things go downhill for those two, we are going to need more SP depth.
I think Boyd is a solid option. He is not an answer, and he definitely will not continue to pitch this well, but a solid option for the back-end of the rotation. I also have been watching Rea’s games recently. Ever since he dropped his arm slot he seems to be getting a lot of movement on pitches. Again, not an answer, but a decent option. It is a shame we did not acquire a top-line starter in the offseason. Even with the Steele injury, we would probably be okay. No matter how you slice it, to win in the playoffs, you need a two or three-headed monster at the top of the rotation. Right now the only guy I would even trust to pitch a game in the playoffs is Shota. They need to make a move and do it fast. Assad was not the answer for legitimate playoff aspirations either.
I’m hopeful for Horton but his BB rate is not going to cut it in MLB. He needs to clean that up before they call him up.
As bad as they could use Horton, it’s too soon. June or July maybe.. This is on Hoyer.. again.. Wouldn’t make a real run at a strong starter – even after acquiring Tucker.. And his same rehashed BP philosophy is failing again as well..
Completely agree. Even an “MOR” (middle of rotation) starter would have been good. It’s as if Hoyer enjoys giving himself handicaps and seeing if he can succeed anyway. He is a very strange POBO.
Sorry to hear. I’m not his biggest fan; there is so little margin for error in his whole approach, and part of the Cubs’ problems over the last few years is that they have collected too many pitchers with his limited skill set (and he has been continuously overrated by Cubs shills like Brett Taylor). But that said, he’s a fighter on the mound, and this could turn out to be a nagging injury that recurs, so I am sorry for him on a human level. Now the Cubs need to add to their starting pitching by the trade deadline, or preferably much before.
I don’t think the Cubs need to add a whole lot unless the trade makes sense. Saw another side splitter today from some moron who suggested that the Cubs trade Horton, Ballesteros, Alcantara and Wiggins for Sandy Alcantara. Yeah trade all that for a guy who has spent more time on the IL than on a mound. I don’t want to say the moron was a Miami homer or anything but he definitely needs to commit to a 28 day scenario because the grains are taking over. LMAO
Unclemike….you are pretty spot on…I would only change one word (and they really mean the same)..you say “unless” the trade makes sense…I say “until”.
No sense in trading too much now and still a long time for the market to take shape. Who’s to say that the Mets don’t run and hide and the Phillies or Braves fall 10 back in June or July??? Rays? Astros/Mariners?
The Cubs not only have put up a solid Aoril, nobody in the division jumped to a 20-8 start to put the Cubs in a hole with that schedule they had.
Schedule still a little lofty the next couple of weeks with the Mets and Giants playing well, so let’s stay the course until something improves the Cubs…don’t make a trade just to make a trade.
While I wish this was the case, for the past 3 years the Cubs get out to a hot start and then everyone forgets how good they were because they do not patch holes. A rotation of Shota, Taillon, Boyd, Rea, and Brown is not sustainable, let alone a serious playoff contending rotation. The top pitchers on any other team beat ours. I am personally not the biggest fan of the Cubs paying an insane price for Alcantara. If I am going to give up those types of prospects, I need a sure thing. I understand he’s just firing back up, but Alcantara has been anything but a sure thing since coming back from injury.
While I like Assad I will agree with you on Brett Taylor. Guy is annoying with a capital A.
Personally I think the Cubs need a genuine closer more than a starter right now. Maybe that changes at the deadline. Hodge is awesome but he would be better with an Ace Closer and Pressly in front of him. Would be stellar end of pen. Plus a Closer will be be cheaper and would win more games.
Right now, I’d agree the pen is a larger concern but they will certainly need to add to this rotation. Perhaps this can come from within the org but I think an arm like Alcantara (if healthy and effective) could be a great addition, but not at the cost of the future. Time to make Tucker an offer he can’t refuse like Toronto did and use Alcantara and maybe even Caissie as trade chips. Helsley would be a fantastic addition if the Cards would trade him to a division rival.
I agree a closer is a legitimate need, and it’s really annoying we did not get Scott. However, if you look at the names in the starting rotation, I would argue it is just as if not more important, especially if you are trying to be a playoff contender. In a 7 game series you might use your ace 2-3 times. Both are very big holes that need to be fixed.
This alone isn’t really a big deal, but with Steele out for the year, it certainly puts some pressure on Hoyer to make a decision. He’s either going to have to be aggressive on a SP trade (a la Sandy Alcantara) for decent prospects, or green light a Cade Horton call up. Might as well give Horton a shot. He’s been pitching well at AAA and the Cub’s offense in the early season justifies going in this year (though maybe not “all in”)
He has to make a trade. With Tucker signed for only this season, a sense of urgency is mandatory.
Cade’s time coming whether ready or not. Also see if Jed has feelers out for Brett baty of Mets for 3rd now that he’s been sent down because all our 3rd basemen suck.
@Bruce
Yeah, I’m not really happy with the latest feedback that we’ll essentially have a 3B by committee this year. Berti, Brujan, Lopez, Turner…not one of those is a complete player at third. Pick your poison. We either get average defense and zero offense, or a tired bat and no defense.
His third soft-tissue setback since February. Repetitive torque is shredding pitchers’ cores.
Rea has looked good so far.
On another topic: Swanson better save them runs with his defense, because he sure is costing them runs with his offense. I know this is an easy thing to say, an unsophisticated reaction–but he can’t keep batting fifth in the lineup. He probably should be batting eighth. I’m all for respecting veterans and all that stuff, but there are limits to that, and we are at one.
It is REALLY BRUTAL to watch. I do not understand why we have not moved PCA up in the lineup yet. I understand we do not want to make the bottom of the lineup weak, but we have other good hitters down there as well. Cannot believe we have another 4 years of this guy. Could’ve gotten Correa or other way better shortstops in that FA class. Wanted to pick the guy a few million cheaper though!!!! SMH!
Before you continue to make stupid statements, Cubber–go look at Correa’s stats. Yes, he outhit Dansby last season–but he missed half the year.
Since those deals, Dansby has outhomered Correa by 25 and driven in 35 more runs…..and don’t even compare him…or anybody to Dansby on the defensive side.
Very solid argument to me made that Dansby shouldn’t be hitting fifth right now…but can also make a case that if he never gets a hit he’s a top two or three shortstop in the league.
I would take a look at Chris Flexen who has pitcher well in AAA so far.
Amazing that the cubbies are where they’re at given their killer schedule and two of their main pitchers going down however with jed still won’t trade much of farm to get what they need to make long run even though he may be out of job after season.