Chicago Sun-Times · Aug 12, 2023
Javier Assad’s steady presence stabilizing Cubs rotation with Marcus Stroman out
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TORONTO – Cubs right-hander Javier Assad applauded as he backed toward the dugout, acknowledging left fielder Ian Happ for his sliding catch in foul territory, a play that ended Assad’s gem of a start.
Assad stopped just before the first base line, did his customary hop over it, and was greeted in the dugout by a tunnel of high fives.
He had just held the Blue Jays to one run through seven innings, the most he’d thrown in any major-league game. It was his second spot start in a week, and he just kept getting better.
Assad’s re-emergence as a starting option gives the Cubs valuable flexibility as they push for a playoff spot in the last two months of the season.