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Why the San Diego’s Petco Park holds special significance for Cubs right-hander Javier Assad

Sean M. Haffey/Getty

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Javier Assad #72 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the first inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 08, 2024 in San Diego, California.

SAN DIEGO – Cubs right-hander Javier Assad grew up going to games at Petco Park. It was the closest MLB stadium to his hometown of Tijuana, Mexico.

His dad, Javier Sr., was a Padres fan, but the rest of the family had rallied around the Dodgers because of Fernando Valenzuela. The younger Javier followed suit.