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The Chicago Cubs are starting their season with a rotation that looks much different than intended. Jameson Taillon did not even make a spring start for the Cubs after he injured his back warming up. He should get a rehab start in the minors soon. Ace Justin Steele strained a hamstring in the season opener against the Texas Rangers and left the game. He’ll be on the IL until the end of April at the earliest. But there is no need to panic because to the rescue comes… Javier Assad?
Kyle Hendricks got rocked by the Rangers in his 3.2 innings of work. Jordan Hicks allowed five runs to cross (two earned) before he was pulled after four innings. But things got better for the Cubs when they returned to Wrigley Field. Shota Imanaga made history with his six shutout innings in the home opener. The Cubs also had a successful bullpen start by rookies Luke Little and Ben Brown. But wedged in between those two gems and flying under the radar was another thrown by Assad.
Assad took the mound on a cold Wrigley night, fighting wind and rain throughout the duration. Fans will ultimately remember this game for the offensive explosion highlighted by Cody Bellinger’s memorable home run in the sixth inning. However, there should be recognition of what Assad did out there.
Assad gave up just four hits and one walk in six innings of work while striking out five batters. Some could say the weather played a factor. Others will say he took advantage of an uncompetitive Colorado Rockies team. The truth is, though, he’s been doing this all along.
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Javier Assad’s Career Numbers Prove He Belongs
On August 23, 2022, Javier Assad made his major league debut in game one of a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals. He started the game and completed four innings before being removed in the fifth. It was eventful for him, allowing four hits and four walks. But he struck out three and did not allow a run.
Assad started against the Toronto Blue Jays a week later and pitched five more shutout innings. He appeared seven more times in September, starting six times and finishing the year with a 2-2 record and a 3.11 ERA. He provided a glimpse into the future to end a tumultuous season for the Cubs.
In 2023, Assad provided a different kind of sustainability for the Cubs. He started ten games but appeared 22 more times out of the bullpen. Altogether, Assad posted a 5-3 record with a 3.05 ERA in 109.1 innings—another great performance for a team that needed it.
If you include his remarkable start this past week, Assad’s career numbers are just not talked about enough. In 153 innings pitched, his ERA is 2.94 with 129 strikeouts. His WHIP is 1.268, but he has proven to be able to get out of his own situations.
There is a lot of talk about the future on the North Side of Chicago, specifically pitchers. Jordan Wicks’ role is established, Ben Brown is here, and Cade Horton is on the way. All three are projected to play a role in the next run for a championship. But Assad has repeatedly proven that he deserves the same praise and attention.
