Assad dealing with sore oblique, undergoes imaging

MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs have to map out their rotation plans for a pair of openers this season, adding an atypical layer to the Spring Training scheduling. On Monday it was revealed that right-hander Javier Assad -- considered a favorite for a spot on the starting staff -- is already dealing with a setback.

Manager Craig Counsell noted that Assad experienced soreness in his left oblique and was scheduled to undergo imaging on Monday to gather more information. Once the Cubs have more details from those test results, the team will be able to better assess Assad’s potential timetable for recovery.

“It wasn’t anything like an acute-throw-injury type of thing,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said after Monday’s workout. “It was more of just something that kind of came up after the fact. I know we still have to find out exactly what we’re dealing with, but when that happens and it happens in that fashion, it gives me a little more room for optimism.”

Hottovy noted that Assad recently threw a bullpen session and came away feeling good enough to then put in a post-throwing workout. Assad reported feeling the soreness later in the day.

The Cubs open their season with a two-game series on March 18-19 against the Dodgers in the Tokyo Series in Japan. The North Siders will then open their domestic season on March 27 against the D-backs. The staggered openers give Chicago’s staff a multitude of factors to consider while constructing the rotation to begin the season.

The front four on the staff are Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd. Coming off a solid ‘24 showing, the 27-year-old Assad was a leading contender for the next slot. With his status now unclear, righty Colin Rea (signed in free agency this offseason) would presumably be the next man up. Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown are also candidates.

Last season, Assad logged a 3.73 ERA in 29 starts, finishing with 124 strikeouts and 63 walks in 147 innings. It was his third season with the Cubs, but his first working exclusively as a starter. He bounced between the rotation and bullpen for Chicago in parts of the ‘22-23 seasons.

“We’ve just got to kind of figure out what we’re dealing with,” Hottovy said, “and put him on a good plan -- again, knowing that we need him for the long haul and not just [have him] ready for Opening Day or that first series.”