Javier Assad: Everything you need to know

Assad did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 2-1 extra-inning win over the Mets, allowing one run on three hits and no walks with three strikeouts over 5.2 innings. Assad allowed a solo homer in the fifth inning but was otherwise strong, departing one out shy of a quality start at 82 pitches. The 28-year-old has sandwiched two solid efforts around a nine-run blowup Monday, leaving him with a 5.74 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 9:4 K:BB across 15.2 innings. With Matthew Boyd (biceps) expected to return from the injured list next week, it's unclear what Assad's role will be moving forward.

Assad (1-1) took the loss Monday against the Phillies, allowing nine runs on 11 hits and two walks in 4.1 innings. He struck out three. After pitching 5.2 shutout innings in his season debut versus the Rays, Assad faltered in a much tougher spot against Philadelphia's potent lineup. The nine runs allowed were a career worst, and the 11 knocks given up were also a career worst for the right-hander. Matthew Boyd (biceps) is on track to rejoin the Cubs' rotation early next week against the Phillies, so Assad's next start may not come at the major-league level if Boyd is indeed ready to return by then.

'Assad will start Monday's game against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Added to the rotation last week following the placements of Matthew Boyd (biceps) and Cade Horton (forearm) on the injured list, Assad acquitted himself well in his first start of 2026, tossing 5.2 scoreless innings while striking out three and allowing three baserunners in a win over the Rays. Boyd could be ready to return from the IL this weekend when first eligible, but if Assad can come through with another strong outing Monday, he may end up sticking in the rotation as the Cubs' No. 5 starter over Colin Rea.