Javier Assad has been one of the Cubs most reliable arms throughout most of the regular season, both coming out of the bullpen and starting games in a pinch. Especially through July and April, Assad had been arguably a top 3 pitcher on the team. Daniel Palencia's return from the IL on August 21 meant someone had to be optioned or DFA'd. The Cubs choosing Assad to be that guy just feels incredibly disrespectful to Assad and Cubs fans alike.
The logic behind optioning Assad is somewhat reasonable. He can be optioned to Triple-A Iowa, whereas most of the rest of the bullpen would have to be DFA'd or waived, meaning there's a chance they wouldn't return. The problem however, is that the Cubs relievers haven't been lights out by any means. Many of the starters haven't either. Assad could be making a legitimate impact for this team and is instead stuck pitching in Iowa. He could have made starts, came in in long relief, or even just pitched an inning or two. Either way, his presence has been much needed over the last week in which the Cubs have blown several games in his absence.
With only a 5 game lead on the final wild card spot, the Cubs need Assad back more than ever
Chicago went from potentially chasing down the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central to being at potential risk of missing the playoffs. While somehow falling out of the wild card would be nothing short of a disaster, the fact that it's even possible at this point is a scare. Even if the Cubs plan is to save Assad for the playoffs, the playoffs won't matter if they're not in them.
Sunday Night's contest against the Cincinnati Reds is the perfect example of a game that Assad could make his mark. The wind at Wrigley is expected to be blowing out, and with Shota Imanaga pitching, this seems like a potential disaster for the Cubs. With 30 home runs given up in 26 starts, Imanaga feels like a ticking time bomb every time he steps on the mound.
If Assad was on the major league roster, Chicago would have an immediate solution if Imanaga struggles early. If he isn't elevated to the major league roster before the Cubs face the Brewers in 7 out of 10 straight games, there will be serious questions about whether Chicago is doing everything they can to win down the home stretch.
| More Cubs on DaWindyCity |
Add us as a preferred source on Google