Javier Assad Suffers Setback in Recovery, Out Indefinitely

Javier Assad Shut Down with No Set Return Date

Assad first injured his oblique at the beginning of spring training. On March 1, the Cubs placed him on the 15-day injured list and announced he wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day.

After going through a throwing program and looking ready to return, he exited his second rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday after feeling discomfort in his side.

Assad has been one of the more serviceable arms in baseball the past two seasons, splitting time between the bullpen and starting rotation early in his three-year career. In his first full season as a starter last year, Assad threw 147 innings, pitching to a  7-6 record with a 3.77 ERA.

The Cubs have gotten off to a blistering 16-10 start with the help of strong pitching, but suffered a major loss to their rotation when Justin Steele was forced to undergo surgery to repair the UCL in his left elbow. Chicago said last week they would look to fill Steele’s spot in the rotation internally, and will now have to find another arm to replace Assad.

Colin Rea, who filled in for Steele, will presumably keep his spot in the rotation with Assad out. The Cubs could also look at top pitching prospect Cade Horton to fill in after his strong start in the Triple-A season, along with arms such as Jordan Wicks, Chris Flexen, and newly signed Michael Fulmer.

The team’s hot start could also push the front office to trade for a top-of-the-line starter. The Cubs reportedly showed interest in Dylan Cease in the offseason, but could not complete a deal. Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara has also had his name floated in trade talks and could be a name to watch with Chicago.