Cubs make Javier Assad decision ahead of Nationals series

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cubs make Javier Assad decision ahead of Nationals series

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 9, 2026 5:54 PM ET

It was known that the Chicago Cubs would have some tough decisions to make surrounding their starting rotation.

The additions of starting pitchers Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman put seven arms in the starting rotation, and somehow that number needed to get back down to five.

Right-hander Javier Assad appeared to be the odd man out, and Chicago's probable starting pitchers for its upcoming series against the Washington Nationals almost certainly confirms that.

Javier Assad appears to be headed to either the bullpen or Triple-A

Monday will mark the Cubs' first off day since July 23, and because of that, the Cubs are skipping Assad's turn in the rotation during the week.

Chicago also is awaiting the return of several starting pitchers and relievers. That will make it even harder for Assad to remain on the roster when the staff is at full strength.

Assad did appear in relief in the ninth inning of Sunday's 10-2, an outing that could very well be his last with the big-league club this season.

Cubs upcoming pitching probables at the Nationals:

Tuesday -- LHP Shota Imanaga
Wednesday -- LHP David Peterson
Thursday -- RHP Kevin Gausman
— Meghan Montemurro (@MegMontemurro) August 9, 2026

Javier Assad in his career:

As a SP
64 G | 324.0 IP | 3.47 ERA | 117 ERA+

As a RP
33 G | 82.1 IP | 3.39 ERA | 123 ERA+

The Cubs have asked him to play a lot of different roles, and he’s thrived in all of them. Such an underrated piece since debuting. pic.twitter.com/gJgRTdHAqC
— Carson Wolf (@TheWrigleyWire) August 5, 2026

Should Javier Assad actually be the one shipped out?

As shown above, Assad has been outstanding since making his MLB debut in 2023. He's pitched to an overall ERA of 3.46 and just as recently as Aug. 4, he outdueled Tarik Skubal in his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Assad is often the one who is taken out of his role or demoted when a roster crunch takes place, something that is starting to become a bit of an unpopular move among Cubs fans.

Only time will tell what the upcoming roster moves are. It is clear, though, that Assad is certainly out of the starting rotation and may eventually be sent to Triple-A Iowa.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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