MLB: Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals MLB: Chicago Cubs at Washington NationalsAug 31, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (72) reacts after coming off the mound against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Cubs pitcher’s rehab outing takes a discouraging turn

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Tyler Koerth | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 7:30 AM ET

Several key pitchers for the Chicago Cubs have been sidelined by injuries this season, impacting the team’s overall depth. Justin Steele is out for the year after undergoing elbow surgery, while Ryan Brasier and Tyson Miller are both battling hip issues. Eli Morgan is dealing with an elbow injury and Javier Assad has been working his way back from an oblique strain.

The rash of injuries has tested the Cubs’ pitching staff early in the 2025 campaign, resulting in them recently adding Drew Pomeranz and Peter Solomon. Unfortunately, they may have to wait even longer now to get Assad back as during his most recent rehab outing his recovery took a discouraging turn.

Chicago Cubs rehabbing pitcher Javier Assad left his most recent rehab outing grabbing his side

On Tuesday, April 22, Assad was making his second rehab appearance. His previous outing had come a week prior where he tossed 66 pitches over 3.1 innings. Unfortunately, Assad was removed from the contest after grabbing at his side during warm ups for the fifth inning. At the time he had thrown 67 pitches over 4.0 innings.

Oh no. Javier Assad started to warm up for the fifth inning and grabbed at his side and immediately walked to the dugout after a pitch. Keegan Thompson will come on.

— Jason Kempf (@jkempradio) April 22, 2025

The Cubs starting pitching depth suddenly looks thin

MLB: New York Yankees at Chicago Cubs MLB: New York Yankees at Chicago Cubs Sep 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (72) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

With Javier Assad suffering a setback, the Cubs’ starting pitching depth is becoming an increasing concern. Outside of Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon, the rotation consists of Ben Brown and Colin Rea. Brown has delivered mixed results in his outings so far, while Rea was chosen to take Steel’s spot following his injury.

Ultimately, the Cubs are one more injury to their starting rotation away from needing to rely on internal options like Jordan Wicks, possibly Brad Keller, and top prospect Cade Horton. While those arms offer some promise, the club’s limited depth and lack of proven reliability may force the front office to explore a more significant trade to solidify their rotation depth.

It will be worth monitoring what Assad’s next steps are and how this set back impacts his recovery. Unfortunately, it seems like there is a low chance of getting him back soon, which adds another layer of uncertainty to the Cubs already strained rotation.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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