On Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs will play their final spring training game when they face off against the New York Yankees.
The Cubs will then open up their season on Thursday afternoon when they host the Washington Nationals.
Cubs Announce Roster Move
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 17: Javier Assad #72 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Wrigley Field on August 17, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Before Tuesday’s game, the Cubs announced a series of roster moves.
One of the decisions included Javier Assad.
Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports wrote: “Cubs announce that Kevin Alcantara and Javier Assad have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Both will undoubtedly be factors at the major league level at some point this season.”
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 31: Javier Assad #72 of the Chicago Cubs reacts as he is removed from the game during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on May 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Assad is coming off a season where he went 4-1 with a 3.65 ERA in eight games.
He also played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 19: Starting pitcher Javier Assad #72 of the Chicago Cubs throws in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on September 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Assad’s MLB Career
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 20: Pitcher Javier Assad #72 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after recording the last out in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field on August 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Griffin Quinn/Getty Images)
Assad has spent each of his first four seasons playing for the Cubs.
He has gone 18-12 with a 3.43 ERA in 78 games (54 starts).
Jesse Rogers of ESPN wrote on May 15, 2024: “Javier Assad is the first Cubs pitcher since 1968 to begin the season giving up 2 ER or less in each of his first nine starts. His ERA after 6 shutout tonight in Atl is 1.49. It’s not even the lowest (Imanaga) in the rotation but quite the year he’s having.”
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Javier Assad #72 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 25, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
There is no question that the 25-year-old will be back with the Cubs at some point in the MLB.
@JAYChi_Cubs wrote: “Assad’s Spring Stats: -3 G -1.35 ERA -1-0 W/L -6.2 IP -8 SO -1 BB”
Looking Ahead For Chicago
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 09: Javier Assad #72 of the Chicago Cubs reacts as he is removed from the game by manager David Ross #3 against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field on May 09, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Following their series with the Nationals, the Cubs will stay at home to host Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels.
They will then head on the road for a series with the Cleveland Guardians on April 3.
Last season, the Cubs lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.
Chicago Cubs Announce New Roster Move Before Yankees Game