Cubs Get Timeline for Starter Who Hasn't Pitched Yet This Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs' rotation hasn't been in a great spot due to injuries, despite the team's strong pitching performance to start the first half of the season.

About halfway through the year, the Cubs' rotation has done what’s needed, and that just goes to show how some guys have stepped up. Unfortunately, many players have dealt with injuries, including Javier Assad, who has yet to throw a pitch during the 2025 campaign.

The right-hander is dealing with an oblique strain and has yet to throw a pitch in Major League Baseball after facing a setback in a rehab assignment.

When speaking to reporters about when he could return, Carter Hawkins had a somewhat unfortunate update on his timeline.

“It’s reasonable [that Assad could still contribute this season],” Hawkins said, per Chi City Sports. “He’s definitely had a slower return and had some slight setbacks, just as he’s gone through his process of getting back from the oblique…I think, with him, we’re not necessarily going to rush him. We want to make sure that we have the opportunity to have him through August and September, and that’s probably what we’re shooting for in terms of Javier right now.”

Waiting until August or September for Assad to return isn’t ideal, but if the Cubs are certain that he'll be healthy then, it could be like adding a pitcher that they never had. Assad, who last pitched last season for the Cubs, could be a late trade deadline addition.

However, for Jed Hoyer and Hawkins, they shouldn't look at it that way. The reality is that this would be a nice addition to have back in the Cubs' rotation in the second half, but they still need more.

Assad posted a 3.73 ERA last season and threw in 147.0 innings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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