Javier Assad

Fantasy News

• Cubs' Javier Assad: Hits IL with strained forearm

  Rotowire Jun 27, 2024

  The Cubs placed Assad on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right forearm extensor strain, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The injury has evidently been an issue for Assad off and on for about two weeks, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, which could help explain why he's stumbled in June with a 5.49 ERA after entering the month with a 2.27 mark. With Assad slated to miss at least two turns, Hayden Wesneski is likely to remain in the Cubs' rotation for a while.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Chased in fifth inning

  Rotowire Jun 23, 2024

  Assad (4-3) allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while failing to record a strikeout over 4.1 innings, taking the loss Sunday versus the Mets. Assad has failed to complete five innings in four of his last nine starts. The Mets did most of their damage in the third inning, as Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo hit back-to-back home runs to account for three of the four runs on Assad's line. The right-hander is now at a 3.04 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 79:33 K:BB through 83 innings across 16 starts this year. He's projected for a road game in Milwaukee in his next start.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Fans seven in no-decision

  Rotowire Jun 18, 2024

  Assad allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over five innings in a no-decision against San Francisco on Monday. Assad needed 92 pitches to get through five frames, but he was effective during his time on the mound, limiting the Giants to just a fourth-inning run. However, the right-hander couldn't pick up his first win since mid-May, as Chicago's offense wasn't able to push across a run until after his departure. Nonetheless, this was a nice bounce-back for Assad after he surrendered seven earned runs over 10.1 frames across his previous two outings.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Labors in no-decision

  Rotowire Jun 12, 2024

  Assad did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's 4-3 win over Tampa Bay, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 4.2 innings. Assad opened with two scoreless frames then allowed a run in the third on a double by Isaac Paredes and another on a solo home run by Jose Siri in the fourth. With two runners on and two outs in the fifth, Assad was pulled at 90 pitches with a 2-1 deficit. Since his last win on May 15, Assad has failed to reach six innings or record a win in five straight outings and has seen his ERA climb from 1.49 to 2.81. He tentatively lines up for a home matchup against the Giants next Monday.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Takes second loss

  Rotowire Jun 6, 2024

  Assad (4-2) allowed five runs on seven hits across 5.2 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Reds. He walked two and struck out seven. Assad flashed his skill with the seven strikeouts, which tied for his second most in a game this year, but he was ultimately done in by a three-run Elly De La Cruz home run in the third inning. The righty still has a solid 2.74 ERA and 68 strikeouts across 69 innings this season, as he's performed well in his first extended run as a full-time starter for the Cubs. Assad will attempt to bounce back in his next scheduled start, which tentatively lines up for next week against the Rays on the road.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Strikes out seven Friday

  Rotowire May 31, 2024

  Assad didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Reds, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out seven. Both of the runs charged to Assad came in the fourth inning when the Reds strung together three straight singles. Still, it was a positive effort for Assad overall after he'd given up seven runs (six earned) over 9.2 innings in his previous two outings, though he now has seven or more strikeouts in three of his last four starts. Overall, the 26-year-old right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 61:26 K:BB through 63.1 innings this season. Assad's currently in line for a rematch with Cincinnati on the road in his next start.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Hurt by home runs

  Rotowire May 27, 2024

  Assad (4-1) took the loss Sunday against the Cardinals, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight over five innings. Assad's final run line could've looked a lot better had it not been for two mistakes thrown to Paul Goldschmidt. He served up nearly identical two-run homers to Goldschmidt in the third and fifth innings to give the Cardinals a lead they would never relinquish. Assad has now allowed multiple home runs in back-to-back starts while also walking eight batters over that span. The one positive to take away from Sunday's outing is he was able to tie his career-high with eight strikeouts and has 19 strikeouts over his last 15.2 innings. Assad will carry a 2.17 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 54:23 K:BB into his next matchup against the Reds this weekend.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Takes step back Tuesday

  Rotowire May 21, 2024

  Assad allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and five walks while striking out four over 4.2 innings in a no-decision versus Atlanta on Tuesday. Assad gave up a two-run home run to Orlando Arcia in the second inning and a solo shot to Michael Harris in the fourth. The five walks were also a season high, and it was the fourth time this season Assad has issued three or more free passes. For the season, he's at a 1.70 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 46:20 K:BB through 53 innings across 10 starts. He's had little trouble with the long ball this year, so it's safe to assume he'll continue to find success in run prevention if he can keep the ball down. The right-hander is projected for a road start in St. Louis his next time out.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: One out shy of quality start

  Rotowire Apr 26, 2024

  Assad didn't factor into the decision Thursday, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over 5.2 innings against the Astros. He struck out five. Although Assad was only at 85 pitches, he was pulled one out before becoming eligible for the quality start after allowing a pair of baserunners. Although Assad has completed six innings only once in five starts, he boasts a 2.00 ERA and a 26:9 K:BB with a 2-0 record. He's tentatively scheduled for a start against the Mets early next week.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Fans seven in no-decision

  Rotowire Apr 9, 2024

  Assad pitched five-plus innings against San Diego on Monday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out seven batters in a no-decision. The Cubs staked Assad to an 8-0 lead through four frames, and he appeared well on his way to a win after completing five scoreless innings. However, the right-hander gave up a two-run homer to Jake Cronenworth before being pulled in the sixth, and the Padres went on to score five more runs in that frame along with two in the eighth to pull out an improbable comeback victory. Assad's overall line was pretty decent -- he struck out seven and allowed just six baserunners -- though he needed 104 pitches to get 15 outs. He figures to get at least a few more turns in the rotation to try to nail down a permanent starting role with Jameson Taillon (back) not yet ready to make his 2024 debut and Justin Steele (hamstring) out until May.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Opening season in rotation

  Rotowire Mar 21, 2024

  Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Assad will begin the season in the rotation, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. Jameson Taillon's back injury opened up another spot in the rotation and Assad has won it over Drew Smyly. The right-hander didn't pitch well this spring but has earned the shot with some fine work in a swingman role for the Cubs over the last two seasons with a 3.06 ERA.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Stellar in bulk-relief role

  Rotowire Sep 23, 2023

  Assad (5-3) earned the win in Saturday's 6-3 victory over Colorado, allowing two hits and a hit batsman over four scoreless innings out of the bullpen. He struck out six without issuing any walks. It didn't take long for the 26-year-old to be used in his new role, tossing four scoreless frames in relief after Marcus Stroman lasted just three innings in his return to the rotation. Assad scattered two hits -- a bunt single and a double -- while throwing 36 of 49 pitches for strikes and earned his fifth win thanks to Chicago's late rally. If the righty is deployed in a similar fashion in his next appearance, it could come Thursday in Atlanta with Stroman again set to take the mound.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Cruises to fourth win

  Rotowire Sep 20, 2023

  Assad (4-3) picked up the win in Tuesday's 14-1 rout of the Pirates, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out eight. A Ke'Bryan Hayes solo shot in the third inning was the only blemish on Assad's line as the 26-year-old righty set a new career high for strikeouts in a game. Since getting fully stretched out and locking down a spot in the Cubs rotation in mid-August, Assad sports a 2.68 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 36:14 K:BB through 47 innings. He'll likely next take the mound this weekend at home against the Rockies.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Roughed up at Coors Field

  Rotowire Sep 13, 2023

  Assad did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks over 3.1 innings against the Rockies. He struck out four. After lasting at least five innings in six consecutive starts, Assad fell short of the mark Tuesday. Despite allowing just five hits, he set a season high in runs and walks allowed. Assad is set up for a potential bounce-back opportunity next time out, however, as he's lined up to take on the Pirates at Wrigley early next week.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Impresses again in win

  Rotowire Aug 27, 2023

  Assad improved to 3-2 in Sunday's 10-1 win over the Pirates, striking out seven while allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks over seven innings. After allowing a run in the first inning, Assad rebounded to blank the Pirates over his next six frames while setting a season high with seven strikeouts. Assad's yet to allow more than two earned runs in five starts since rejoining the Cubs rotation, working to a 2.48 ERA in that span. Overall, the 26-year-old right-hander has a 2.96 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and 60:32 K:BB across 79 innings this season. Assad will look to keep rolling in his next outing, currently lined up for next week in Cincinnati.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Allows two runs in no-decision

  Rotowire Aug 21, 2023

  Assad did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.1 innings against the Tigers. He struck out four. Assad has been pitching well since filling in for Marcus Stroman (ribs) in Chicago's rotation, working to a 2.45 ERA in his last three starts (18.1 innings). Overall, the 26-year-old Assad is 2-2 with a 3.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 53:30 K:BB across 72 innings this season. He's currently lined up to make his next start on the road against the Pirates.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Tosses quality start Wednesday

  Rotowire Aug 17, 2023

  Assad allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out four batters over six innings in a no-decision against the White Sox on Wednesday. Marcus Stroman (hip/ribs) was originally expected to start Wednesday, but he had a setback that's keeping him on the injured list. Instead, Assad got another opportunity in the rotation and notched his second straight quality start. The right-hander opened with three scoreless frames before the White Sox tagged him for a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth, but Assad bounced back with a scoreless sixth before he was relieved. He's pitched well enough to remain a starter even after Stroman returns, though that scenario may depend on whether the Cubs elect to keep Drew Smyly in the bullpen or place him back in the rotation.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Picking up another start

  Rotowire Aug 10, 2023

  Assad is scheduled to start Friday's game in Toronto, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. After making what was expected to be a spot start in place of the injured Marcus Stroman (hip) last weekend versus Atlanta, Assad will end up sticking around in the rotation for at least one more turn as a replacement for Drew Smyly, who has been moved to the bullpen. Assad has worked exactly 3.2 frames in both of his last two outings, so the right-hander should be stretched out enough to reach five innings Friday and qualify for the win. The Cubs have a pair of off days next week, so Assad would seem likely to have his next turn in the rotation skipped following Friday's start.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Tosses three scoreless innings

  Rotowire Jul 2, 2023

  Assad tossed three scoreless innings of relief in Saturday's 6-0 loss to the Guardians. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out five. Assad looked sharp in the long-relief appearance and recorded a season high in strikeouts. The 25-year-old has pitched well lately, allowing one run over eight innings in his last three appearances. However, he's not pitching that frequently, as he's taken the mound just five times since the start of June. Assad has some talent, but his current role isn't particularly fantasy friendly.

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• Cubs' Javier Assad: Called up from Triple-A

  Rotowire May 24, 2023

  Chicago recalled Assad from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. Assad was optioned to Triple-A earlier this month after registering a 5.09 ERA over 17.2 innings with the Cubs in one start and four relief appearances. He'll rejoin the big club as a replacement in the bullpen for Nick Burdi, who was placed on the 15-day injured list after undergoing an appendectomy earlier Wednesday.

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