NEW YORK -- With every game critical in a close playoff race, the Chicago Cubs are moving struggling left-hander Drew Smyly to the bullpen.
Rookie right-hander Javier Assad will take Smyly's spot in the rotation this weekend at Toronto, which features several right-handed sluggers in a lineup battering lefties lately.
Smyly is 8-8 with a 5.05 ERA in 23 games this season, including 21 starts. He is 0-4 in his last six starts since June 28, with his only win during that stretch coming in relief on July 28 at St.