Cubs: Javier Assad Dominates Again in World Baseball Classic

Entering the fifth inning after Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias started for Team Mexico, Assad reminded Cubs fans that not only could he be a fifth starter option, but an option for the bullpen as well. In 2.2 innings, he gave up only one hit, one walk, and struck out four hitters.

In two relief outings during the WBC, Assad has given up zero earned runs with six strikeouts, one walk, and given up only two hits in nearly six innings pitched.

Coming into the spring with reports that there was an opening for the fifth starter spot in the Cubs’ rotation, there was potential Assad could take the spot. Before heading off to the WBC, Assad threw four innings for the Cubs in Spring Training with two strikeouts and one walk and zero runs surrendered. So far, he has shown signs of improvement from last year with his fastball, and he’s made the fifth starter choice a difficult option for manager David Ross.

Here's the thing about Assad: if David Ross decides to go with right-hander Hayden Wesneski as his fifth starter option, that doesn’t mean Assad can’t make the Opening Day roster. His two outings in the WBC against juggernaut lineups in Team USA and Team Puerto Rico can go a long way in convincing Ross that he can be a reliable long reliever out of the bullpen as well.

At the end of the day, close competition for the Cubs’ fifth starter option is not a bad thing. It may have been leaked that Wesneski could possibly be the fifth man in the rotation, but it’s not going to be an easy decision if Assad has anything to say about it.

Team Mexico will continue their quest to win their first World Baseball Classic Title on Monday night when they take on Team Japan at 6:00 PM central time on Fox Sports 1.