Cubs rotation update
The Chicago Cubs recall Javier Assad from Triple-A to start against Miami.
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Key Points
1
Shota Imanaga’s bounce-back start the previous day may affect the rotation plan: he threw six innings, allowing three hits and one earned run against Miami.
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Assad’s effectiveness has come despite relatively low chase and whiff rates, making his ability to continue limiting damage without generating many swings and misses a key variable.
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Assad’s return could move Imanaga’s next start from Wednesday’s Brewers finale to Friday against the Pirates, taking advantage of an off-day in the schedule.
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Before Saturday’s assignment, Assad’s last major-league start came Aug. 4 against the Dodgers, when he allowed one earned run in 5.2 innings; he then surrendered only two earned runs across 8.0 relief innings.
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Miguel Amaya was slated to catch Assad in place of Carson Kelly, while the rest of Chicago’s lineup remained largely unchanged.
The Chicago Cubs recalled Javier Assad from Triple-A Iowa to make his first major-league start in over a month, facing the Miami Marlins on Saturday Bradenton. Assad has thrived as a swingman this season, posting a 3.46 ERA and 6-1 record across 83.1 innings. His recall comes after Tyler Ferguson was optioned to Iowa, with Assad's performance potentially determining his role down the stretch.
Assad's Strong Season Despite Recent Demotion
Assad has been reliable all year with a 1.10 WHIP and only one run allowed in 5.1 innings during his latest Triple-A appearance Star-Telegram. His last major-league start came August 4 against the Dodgers, when he allowed one earned run in 5.2 innings. He then pitched 8.0 relief innings, giving up two earned runs total. Critics noted Assad was demoted partly because he had minor-league options remaining, despite his consistency amid Cubs' pitching injuries New Observer.
Assad's Walk Rate Tests His Resilience
Assad's effectiveness comes despite low chase and whiff rates, meaning batters don't often swing at his pitches. In his most recent outing, he threw a season-high five walks but still limited damage Sacramento Bee. This ability to stay effective while avoiding strikeouts will be crucial against Miami's lineup on Saturday.
Rotation Flexibility and Strategic Adjustments
Assad's return allows the Cubs to shift their rotation timing. Shota Imanaga's next start could move from Wednesday's Brewers finale to Friday against the Pirates, using an off-day in the schedule San Luis Obispo. This adjustment gives the Cubs more flexibility as they prepare for the stretch run.
Lineup Stays Steady with Miguel Amaya Behind Plate
The Cubs made minimal changes elsewhere. Miguel Amaya was slated to catch Assad instead of Carson Kelly, but the rest of the lineup remained unchanged Bradenton. Assad's Saturday start against Miami will be his biggest test since returning from Triple-A, and success could secure his spot in the rotation for the final stretch of the season.
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