Chicago Cubs Skipper Says Starting Pitcher Will Miss Beginning of Season

The Chicago Cubs are still figuring some things out on the mound.

One of the bigger questions is who will round out the backend of the rotation.

Unfortunately, one of the favorites to be the No. 4 or No. 5 starter has been dealing with an injury this spring, and he will not be active for the beginning of the season.

While speaking with Marquee Sports Network, manager Craig Counsell revealed that Javier Assad is still coming back from an oblique strain he suffered at the beginning of camp which will put him on the shelf when the upcoming campaign gets underway.

“We have not thrown bullpens yet. Bullpens end of next week. But obviously, you know, this means he’s gonna miss the start of the season,” the skipper said.

Counsell added the team still wants to build him up as a starter.

This will elongate the process for Assad’s recovery since he will have to throw multiple bullpen and live sessions before he can be ready to throw 75-plus pitches on a big league mound.

Assad started 29 games for the Cubs in 2024, so he was a favorite to earn one of the two open starting jobs in the rotation. In those 29 starts, he threw 147.0 innings, owned a 3.73 ERA, struck out 124 batters, walked 63 and held a record of 7-6.

The right-handed pitcher’s xERA was more than a full run higher than his actual ERA, so that indicates a bit of luck on his end.

Still, he had a respectable season for Chicago and was expected to be an important piece for them during this important campaign.

Now, the Cubs will have to find an answer elsewhere with him missing time.

Related Posts

Red Sox only team to have 2 ‘most forgotten’ All-Stars on The Athletic’s list

The Boston Red Sox have had plenty of All-Stars over the last two decades, some more popular than others.

Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu reacts to harsh roster move he ‘didn’t ask for’

The New York Yankees veteran had a strong reaction to a surprising DFA with $22 million still owed to him.

Former manager Lee Elia, whose rant against Chicago Cubs fans became part of team lore, dies at 87

Like many Chicago Cubs managers who tried and failed to end the team’s legendary championship drought, Lee Elia didn’t last too long in his job. Elia managed 285 games for the Cubs from 1982-83, going 127-158 before general manager Dallas Green fired him during the ’83 season. But Elia, who died Wednesday at age 87, will always remain a significant part of Cubs lore, thanks to a rant for the …

Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series 20th Reunion Details To Know

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2005 World Series team, the White Sox have several events planned featuring players, coaches and broadcasters.

Braves Trade Pitch Moves 40 Home Run Slugger to Mariners as Struggles Continue

An Atlanta Braves trade idea has them shipping out their 40 home run slugger to the Seattle Mariners as their season struggles continue.

Red Sox All-Star Outfielder Tabbed ‘Best Match’ In Trade To Padres

The Boston Red Sox could look to use one of their top talents, Jarren Duran, as a trade piece this season, with the San Diego Padres making sense as a fit.