You want to talk about two guys with completely opposite perceptions among the fan base: Javier Assad and Edward Cabrera. Assad can always be counted on in whatever role he needs to fill, and he does it without the flashiest stuff, while Cabrera possesses high-end velocity and nasty pitches but has quickly lost the trust of the Cubs.
Cabrera was activated from the injured list on Sunday to make his first start since June 23, but the right-hander is already back on the IL for the third time in 2026 and the second time for the same blister issue in his right middle finger. Assad was originally optioned to Triple-A to make room for Cabrera’s return and now he’s back on the team as the Cubs placed Cabrera on the 15-day injured list prior to Monday’s series opener against the White Sox.
Assad was one of three players who were added to the active roster ahead of Monday night’s game. Dansby Swanson is also headed to the injured list after suffering an oblique strain, which Craig Counsell hopes will only keep the shortstop out for four weeks. Meanwhile, James Triantos has been optioned to Triple-A and has been replaced by Owen Miller as the primary backup infielder. Kevin Alcántara is also back to be another right-handed bat off the bench.
Assad last pitched against the Washington Nationals, allowing a pair of solo home runs in a 12-6 win. He pitched four innings and earned the save. Assad has a 3.59 ERA in 80.1 innings this year, making 21 total appearances, including 10 starts.
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Since June 7, when Assad was recalled from Triple-A, the right-handed pitcher has recorded a 2.48 ERA in 54.1 innings. During that stretch, he started seven games, went 3-0, recorded two saves, pitched at least three innings in 10 outings, and only allowed four or more runs once. Always ready to answer the call, Assad has become a beloved figure among Cubs fans as one of the team’s most unsung heroes.
In 99 career MLB games, Assad has a 3.46 ERA. He’ll most likely return to a bulk reliever role, with David Peterson potentially going back to the starting rotation, replacing Cabrera. By the way, the Cubs have seemingly decided not to trust Cabrera to be in the rotation once he returns from the 15-day injured list following his latest blister problem.
