For the Cubs, the problem with passing on the chance to make starting rotation improvements at the MLB trade deadline because, in part, you know that you’ve got Javier Assad coming back is that once Assad does come back, you realize he’s just Javier Assad. For a rotation lacking in depth, that’s good news but it is not Three-Finger Brown has returned to the North Side.
On Sunday, the good news was that Assad was better than he had been in his first start back from the oblique muscle injury that had kept him out all season. Assad went 4.0 innings and threw 65 pitches, working his way through some traffic on the bases as he gave up one run on five hits and a walk. The Cubs scored a much-needed win over the Pirates, 4-3.
Javier Assad Looks Better
It was progress for Assad, though the fact that he has been shaky has left some wondering what his role will be in the rotation once the Cubs’ other injured hurler, Jameson Taillon, comes back from the injured list. Assad allowed four runs in 4.0 innings in his first game back last week.
Taillon’s return could occur as soon as Monday. Taillon is coming back from a calf injury that has kept him out since the end of June. While he could be a savior down the stretch, it is worth remembering that Taillon was in the midst of a rough year before he went out, with a 7-6 record and a 4.44 ERA.
He’d been struggling when he hit the injured list, as he went 0-3 with a 10.66 ERA in his final three starts. Still, the Cubs will welcome him back this week.
“He will rejoin us and his next start will be against the Brewers,” manager Craig Counsell told reporters.
Cubs Sets for Massive Brewers Showdown
Ah yes, Brewers week. At least they’ll go in on a high, as Sunday marked a breakthrough in the standings.
On Monday, the Cubs start a make-or-break series against the Brewers, the team whose 14-game win streak ended, mercifully, on Sunday against the Reds, allowing the Cubs the first game gained in the standings since July 30, when the Cubs trailed the Brewers in the NL Central by just 1.0 games.
That deficit grew to 9.0 games heading into Sunday, but has now dropped to 8.0.
The Cubs will get five cracks at Milwaukee, beginning with a double-header played at Wrigley Field on Monday. It might make sense for Taillon to make his return then.
Rotation Still a Question Mark
As of now, the Cubs have rookie Cade Horton set to pitch the opener on Monday, but the rest of the rotation is currently set to TBD. If things hold, the Cubs would likely use Matthew Boyd on Tuesday, Colin Rea on Wednesday and Shota Imanaga on Thursday.
After that, there are questions. A six-man rotation? Reduce Horton’s usage? Move Assad to the bullpen, where he has experience and has been more effective in his career?
It’s a lot to get to. But first things first, Counsell and the Cubs need to get through Monday’s double-header.
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