Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell offered Jordan Bastian of MLB.com an replace in the present day on injured right-hander Javier Assad. Assad just lately suffered a Grade 2 pressure of his left indirect and will likely be shut down. Counsell didn’t present a particular timeline however even average strains can result in absences of weeks and even months, so Assad received’t be returning to the membership within the close to time period.
It’s an unlucky blow for Assad and the Cubs. The best-hander’s battle with this indirect downside goes again months now. Method again in early February, simply as camp opened, it was reported that he was experiencing some facet tightness. He was finally recognized with a gentle pressure of his left indirect and began the season on the 15-day injured record.
Not too way back, he appeared on observe for a reasonably fast return. He began a rehab project by tossing 3 1/3 innings for Triple-A Iowa on April fifteenth. However in his second rehab outing, on April twenty second, he skilled some renewed soreness after tossing 4 innings in that sport. Earlier this week, Counsell stated that Assad could be heading to Chicago for some additional assessments, which apparently discovered this pressure.
Previous to this setback, he appeared on the cusp of a return to the massive league workforce. That timing would have labored out properly for the Cubs, as they just lately misplaced Justin Steele to UCL surgical procedure. As a substitute, the Cubs must proceed with out Steele or Assad for no less than a couple of weeks.
Swingman Colin Rea stepped up take a rotation spot when Steele hit the IL. His first begin noticed him go 3 2/3 towards the Dodgers, permitting one run. He then went 4 2/3 towards the Diamondbacks, once more permitting only one earned run. He bought as much as 69 pitches in that latter begin, so he’s shut to totally stretched out at this level.
As of some weeks in the past, it appeared doubtless that Assad was going to bump Rea again to a protracted aid function. Now that Assad goes to remain on the shelf some time longer, that may presumably permit Rea to carry a rotation job for the foreseeable future. The opposite 4 spots are taken by Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon and Ben Brown.
It’s lower than superb however the Cubs appear to be in a good place to climate these accidents. Imanaga and Boyd each have ERAs beneath 3.00 to this point, whereas Taillon and Brown are each beneath 5.00. As talked about, Rea has solely allowed one earned run in every of his two begins. Ought to a necessity for one more starter come up, the Cubs have a few former first-round picks in Iowa. Jordan Wicks hasn’t clicked within the majors but however is a former high prospect. Cade Horton hasn’t but cracked the majors however is likely one of the high pitching prospects within the league and has a 1.06 Triple-A ERA this yr. In addition they have veteran Chris Flexen at Iowa on a minor league deal and he has an ERA of 0.40 by way of 4 begins.
It was reported final week that the membership deliberate to make use of inside choices to cowl for Steele’s absence. These plans absolutely included Assad however this new harm doubtless received’t change the short-term targets. There’ll absolutely be intriguing pitching choices obtainable on the commerce deadline however they’re more durable to get now. Whereas some golf equipment will finally pivot into promote mode, most are nonetheless clinging to hopes of rivalry at this level. A free agent like Spencer Turnbull wouldn’t present any speedy assist, as he would want a couple of weeks of ramping up after lacking spring coaching.
The Cubs will doubtless proceed with their present rotation, although the plans might maybe be modified by future accidents or one of many guys in Iowa forcing their means into the image. Assad may very well be again within the combine later within the yr however the Cubs would even be justified in being cautious within the wake of this setback.
Photograph courtesy of Kyle Ross, Imagn Pictures
