Javier Assad Experiencing Oblique Soreness, Brandon Birdsell Has Shoulder Issue

Just one day into camp and already the Cubs are dealing with injuries to at least two pitchers. That’s par for the course, as the recent study on pitcher injuries showed the highest risk came during spring training, but it’s never good to have multiple guys on the shelf before things even get started. Craig Counsell told reporters in Mesa that Javier Assad will have an MRI on a strained oblique that started bothering him after a workout. Righty Brandon Birdsell, a non-roster invitee, is dealing with an issue in the back of his right shoulder.

Folks, this is why pitching depth matters. Even if you didn’t want to see Assad in the rotation, having him out of action so early makes things a bit…