Javier Assad's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (forearm) played catch ahead of Sunday's game against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. It marks the resumption of Assad's throwing program after going on the injured list on Thursday due to a right forearm extensor strain. Even so, the 26-year-old right-hander remains unlikely to rejoin Chicago's rotation before the mid-July All-Star break. In 16 starts this year, Assad has produced a 3.04 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 33 walks in 83 innings for the Cubs and makes for a decent stash in most fantasy leagues. Righty swingman Hayden Wesneski will draw Tuesday's start at home, but he won't be a recommended DFS play or streaming option against a short-handed but dangerous Philadelphia Phillies lineup.

The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Javier Assad (forearm) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to Monday) on Thursday with a right-forearm extensor strain. In corresponding moves, the Cubs signed right-hander Vinny Nittoli and moved right-hander Yency Almonte (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. Assad's injury could help explain why he hasn't been as good in June, posting a 5.49 ERA with a .304 average against with 12 earned runs allowed in 19 2/3 innings over his four starts. Given the timing of the injury, the 26-year-old will not be able to rejoin the Cubbies' starting rotation until after the All-Star break in mid-July. It's unclear who will take Assad's rotation spot for an upcoming matchup this weekend against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. Heading into June, Assad had an ERA under 3.00.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad stifled the Atlanta Braves for six sharp innings of four-hit baseball on Wednesday. Assad got the win, bringing his record to 4-0 while lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.49, good for fourth-best in MLB. He had all of his pitches working Wednesday, tying a season-high seven strikeouts while allowing only one walk. Alongside lefty Shota Imanaga, Assad has given the Cubs one of the best 1-2 punches in all of baseball, with neither pitcher allowing more than two earned runs in a game all season. Assad looks to keep the streak intact with another start against these Braves in Atlanta on Tuesday.