Assad did not factor into the decision in Monday's 3-1 win over Milwaukee, allowing one hit and six walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out two.
Assad made his second appearance since returning from a forearm strain and was unable to locate the strike zone, issuing a career-worst six free passes and needing 76 pitches to record 10 outs. He's now yielded eight walks across 6.2 innings since coming off the IL. Overall, the Cubs righty sports a 3.15 ERA in 88.2 innings, but he may be unable to maintain that mark given his subpar 4.61 FIP and 4.2 BB/9. Assad is currently scheduled to make his next start against the Royals on the road this weekend.
Assad came away with a no-decision in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, giving up three runs on seven hits and two walks over 2.1 innings. He failed to strike out a batter.
Out since June 23 with a forearm strain, Assad was activated from the IL without having gone on a rehab assignment, so the poor results aren't a big surprise. The right-hander was lifted after 44 pitches (29 strikes) having served up first-inning solo shots to Masyn Winn and Willson Contreras, and keeping the ball in the park was an issue for Assad prior to the injury as well -- he's been tagged for 10 homers in his last eight starts and 37 innings, posting a 5.59 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 37:20 K:BB over that stretch. Despite those numbers, the 26-year-old will likely remain in the Cubs rotation following the All-Star break.
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Cubs' Javier Assad: Activated, starting nightcap
Rotowire
The Cubs reinstated Assad (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Saturday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.
A forearm strain has kept Assad on the IL since June 27, but he'll now return to start the second game of Chicago's doubleheader versus the Cardinals. The 26-year-old righty owns a 3.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP through 16 starts on the year, though his numbers jump up to a 5.04 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across his five most recent outings. He'll officially serve as the Cubs' 27th man for Saturday's twin bill, though he'll presumably remain with the team following his start.
