Cubs React to Javier Assad Career News on Sunday

Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Cubs React to Javier Assad Career News on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Chesanek | Last updated Jul 26, 2026 4:34 PM ET

Javier Assad and the Chicago Cubs are sitting atop the National League Wild Card standings at 59-46. Chicago trails the 65-39 Milwaukee Brewers by 6.5 games for the NL Central pennant and is three games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies for the top Wild Card spot.

Assad is a flexible pitcher for Chicago, with the right-hander placed into any situation necessary. The 28-year-old has appeared in 95 games with the Cubs in his career, starting 62 of them. During the 2026 season, the native of Mexico has appeared in 17 games, starting eight of them. The fifth-year pro has a solid 6-1 record this season, with a 3.86 ERA. The Team Mexico pitcher for the 2026 World Baseball Classic has 42 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings this season, boasting a 1.12 WHIP.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (72).Isaiah J&period; Downing-Imagn Images

During Chicago's 11-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, Assad accomplished a career first. Pete Crow-Armstrong continued his MVP-level season with a 4-for-5 performance at the plate, hitting two doubles and belting his 23rd home run of the season. Starting pitcher Shota Imanaga earned the win, pitching six innings and allowing only four hits and no runs. Assad came on for the seventh inning and put the game away for the Cubs.

Pitching the final three innings of the game, Assad allowed only one hit and struck out three batters. With the closeout, Assad recorded the first regular-season save of his Major League Baseball career. After the game, Assad went to the social media platform Instagram to post an image of a game-used baseball. Written in ink on the ball, it says, "1st MLB Save PIT 7/25/26," along with the caption, "First save ⚾️."

Chicago went to Instagram early Sunday morning to react to the news, posting a screenshot of Assad's post on its Instagram Story.