Javier Assad was a very early camp casualty and remains shut down due to an oblique strain. The Cubs announced on Saturday that he may be able to throw a bullpen next week, but even the smoothest sailing won’t have him ready for their domestic opener against the Diamondbacks on March 27. I actually see that as a good thing for the team because Assad is probably best suited for the bullpen anyway. They’ve got rotation depth and can still use him there as needed throughout the season, I just hope they don’t try to shoehorn him back into the starting five (or six).
Javier Assad Will Not Be Ready for Domestic Opener, Hopes to Throw Bullpen Next Week
