Javier Assad took a major step toward returning this past week as he completed his first start in the Arizona Complex League. Assad pitched three scoreless innings while striking out six. It would seem that the next step for Assad is to be assigned to an affiliate for a minor-league rehab assignment. The expectation is that Assad's minor-league rehab assignment will start with the Iowa Cubs next week.
Assad's role, as it pertains to the 2025 Cubs, will likely be determined by the moves the Cubs make at the trade deadline. The expectation is that the Cubs will add a starting pitcher capable of starting a playoff game, and there's also an uptick in rumors connecting the team to available relief pitchers on the trade market.