Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad has been one of the most underrated pitchers this season. The right-hander continued his strong campaign against the Houston Astros on Thursday. Assad threw 5 2/3 innings while allowing only one run in a no-decision. The Cubs didn't decide to make noise with the bats until Assad was out of the game. Despite the no-decision, Assad remains a sleeper in fantasy leagues. His next matchup will come against the New York Mets next week.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad put together a quality start in his first outing of the season in Tuesday's victory versus the Colorado Rockies. Assad went six innings and allowed four hits, one walk and struck out five on the evening. Assad did not allow many balls to be put in play or hit hard against the Rockies and sailed his way to victory. Assad is pitching to stay in the rotation when Justin Steele (hamstring) and Jameson Taillon (back) eventually return, but he has been solid dating back to 2023. The worst-case scenario for Assad is that he'll be turned into a swingman, but he may not have to worry about if he continues to throw as he has. For now, he is best served as a streaming option and draws a tough matchup versus the San Diego Padres that he can be left on the bench for.

The Chicago Cubs have Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Kyle Hendricks, and Shota Imanaga locked into the top four spots in their starting rotation to begin the 2024 season, with Javier Assad, Drew Smyly, Hayden Wesneski and Jordan Wicks battling for the final spot in spring training. Right now, Assad and Wicks might have the edge for the fifth spot, but it's a coin flip, according to MLB's Jordan Bastian. Manager Craig Counsell wants to maintain flexibility with the last rotation spot, meaning there could be a shuttle between Triple-A Iowa and Chicago to build in extra rest for the starters. If Smyly doesn't win the job, he should fit in the bullpen. Assad, 26, had a strong 3.05 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 109 1/3 innings in 2023. Wicks, 24, a former first-rounder, had a 4.41 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in just 34 2/3 innings in his rookie season.

Chicago Cubs pitchers Javier Assad, Drew Smyly, and Hayden Wesneski are expected to compete for the fifth starting pitcher role during Spring Training, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. Former first-round pick Jordan Wicks is also in the mix, but Bastian notes that he's likely "better served" opening the year at Triple-A. That leaves three pitchers for presumably just one spot in the rotation, assuming the top four starters remain healthy and productive this spring. All three hurlers have potential; Assad limited hits and runs last year, Wesneski boasted a .224 OBA and 10.67 K/9 following the All-Star Break, and Smyly is a lefty with plenty of MLB experience. The two odd men out will be top candidates for a shift to the bullpen, even if temporary.

Chicago Cubs starting/relief pitcher Javier Assad will move back to the bullpen with Marcus Stroman making his return to the rotation, according to manager David Ross. Assad, who began the season in the bullpen, had been sharp filling in as a starter for the Cubs across 10 turns in the rotation. This move obviously dings his fantasy value, but with the regular season ending so soon, it shouldn't have too much of an impact. Assad owns a 3.04 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 79:39 K/BB ratio over 100 2/3 innings (28 games, 10 starts).

Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad will look to avoid what appears to be inevitable regression Thursday when he takes on the Arizona Diamondbacks in a crucial matchup at Wrigley Field. The right-hander has made 25 appearances (seven starts) for the Cubs this season and has worked to a sterling 2.69 ERA in that time. However, the 26-year-old also sports a 4.20 FIP, 4.62 SIERA, and a 9.8% K-BB%, all of which suggest regression is on the horizon. Additionally, Assad sports a 2.25 ERA as a starter on the season but also a 4.61 FIP and 4.32 xFIP. His task won't be easy on Thursday as he takes on a capable D-backs offense that is tied for 10th with a .325 wOBA versus right-handed pitching this season.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad is expected to take the ball against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. The expectation was that Marcus Stroman (hip) would return from the injured list on Wednesday, but that doesn't appear to be the case. It sounds like Stroman has suffered a setback, so Assad will make at least one more start. Assad threw seven strong innings of one-run ball versus the Toronto Blue Jays in his start on Friday. He carries a 3.12 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 45/26 K/BB through 60.2 innings (three starts) this season. He could be worth a look as a streaming option against the White Sox on Wednesday.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad picked up his second win on the season, holding the Toronto Blue Jays to one run over seven innings of work. Assad gave up four hits, a walk, and a single run while striking out two. The performance lowered his ERA to 3.12 over 21 games, three starts. He threw 58 strikes over 90 pitches. He doesn't have the strikeout stuff and gives up a few more baserunners than you'd like, but it was a nice outing for him.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad has been named the starter for Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves. It was unclear who was going to take the spot of Marcus Stroman in the rotation. Well, it appears the Cubs are going to give Assad a chance against the tough Braves lineup. Assad has done well out of the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever for Chicago this season. He holds a 3.24 ERA and 1.30 WHIP through 50 innings. The 26-year-old normally only throws two or three innings. He'll be a shaky streaming option against the Braves lineup on Saturday.

The Chicago Cubs optioned right-hander Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa on Friday and recalled right-hander Jeremiah Estrada from Iowa in a corresponding move. Assad was an emergency call-up as a spot starter against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night after Jameson Taillon (groin) landed on the injured list. The 25-year-old allowed two runs on three hits in a loss to the Dodgers and will now head back to the farm. Assad won't be eligible to return for another spot start when Taillon's spot in the rotation comes up again, so the Cubs will have to go in another direction. Taillon's groin injury isn't believed to be very serious, so he could return when he's eligible to come off the IL in early May.