PITTSBURGH – The Cubs started a rookie on the mound, Javier Assad, against the Pirates on Friday. Behind him at second base was Esteban Quiroz, who debuted last week. Opposite Quiroz, at shortstop, played Zach McKinstry, who has seized an everyday role with the Cubs after being stuck on the Dodgers’ bench for much of the first half of the season.
The list goes on. Jared Young, who served as the designated hitter, also debuted a week ago. Rookies Christopher Morel and Nelson Velázquez entered the game in later innings, and Erich Uelmen came in to close the game.