Cubs' Iowa-Bred Arm Javier Assad Anchors Injury-Riddled Rotation
DES MOINES, Iowa — When the Chicago Cubs needed stability in a rotation battered by injuries, they turned to a familiar face from the Des Moines-to-Chicago shuttle: Javier Assad. The right-hander, who has spent significant time with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, has emerged as a stabilizing force for the big league club as it fights for a playoff spot 90 games into the season.
On Sunday, Assad delivered 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, helping the Cubs avoid a sweep. The outing extended a stretch of seven appearances — including four starts — where Assad has posted a 2.78 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. His success has been a bright spot for a pitching staff that has been forced to rely on flexibility,