Cubs Rotation Gets More Bad News, Fix Needed Before It’s Too Late

Chicago Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins did not offer the most optimistic of updates on a potential return for pitcher Javier Assad. 

Out since early in spring training with a strained left oblique, Assad has experienced a season of setbacks. Initially placed on the 15-day injured list, Assad was moved to the 60-day list at the end of April after aggravating the injury during his second rehab start for Triple-A Iowa. 

The 27-year-old right-hander – who debuted for the Cubs late in the 2022 season and has gone 14-11 in 70 appearances, including 47 starts, with a 3.40 ERA – has not seen in-game action for over two months. When asked during a Tuesday appearance on 670 The Score’s Mully & Haugh Show about the likelihood of Assad taking the mound for the Cubs in 2025, Hawkins was rather noncommittal in his response. 

“I think it’s reasonable,” Hawkins said. 

Javier Assad’s Return to Cubs Rotation in 2025 ‘Reasonable’ but Not Certain

Reasonable, but not a certainty. 

“He has definitely had a slower return and had some slight setbacks, just as he’s gone through his process of getting back from the oblique,” Hawkins continued. I think, with him, we’re not necessarily going to rush him. We want to make sure that we have the opportunity to have him through August and September, and so I think that’s probably what we’re shooting for in terms of Javier right now.” 

Less than ideal, and for a Cubs team that has been searching for answers in the starting rotation, not knowing until late in the season if Assad can be counted on for innings does not help the front office strategize on its approach to the July 31 trade deadline.  

Which is why the Cubs must view Assad as nothing more than a bonus.  

A September callup.  

That unreliable friend who has promised to help you move. It’s nice if he shows up, but you better make other plans. 

And that means scouring the trade market for starting pitchers who would help the Cubs reach their postseason goals. 

Uncertainty Over Javier Assad Adds to Cubs Need for Starting Pitchers

Conventional wisdom, along with the always-churning rumor mill, indicates there are several viable candidates for the Cubs to consider. And they come with various abilities, price tags and contractual demands. 

Looking for a potential ace with a few years of team control remaining? Perhaps Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins fits the bill. 

A former Cy Young Award finalist and pending free agent on a down season looking to rebound? Arizona Diamondbacks righty Zac Gallen could be that guy. 

A durable, consistent veteran with All-star numbers and bullpen experience? Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals might be available. 

A left-handed innings eater yearning to play for a winning team? Pittsburgh’s front office is on line 2 willing to discuss Andrew Heaney. 

Merrill Kelly, Edward Cabrera, Mitch Keller, Zach Eflin, Tomoyuki Sugano, Nick Martinez … 

There appear to be several options for teams in need. And the Cubs are definitely in need.