Quinn Harris/Getty Images
Javier Assad took the rotation spot vacated Thursday night when Jameson Taillon went on the 15-day injured list with a mild-to-moderate groin strain.
But the bigger development might occur Saturday, when Kyle Hendricks is scheduled to throw three innings in extended spring training in Arizona.
Cubs president Jed Hoyer confirmed that Hendricks, who’s recovering from a strained right shoulder, has regained his velocity to the high-80 mph range, which could make his signature changeup more effective.