Cubs Recall Pitcher Javier Assad to Fill Rotation Spot

Right-hander Assad to make start against Rays after injuries to Boyd and Horton

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:22pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into fragmented, geometric shapes and planes in the colors of the Chicago Cubs' uniform.The Cubs' pitching rotation faces uncertainty, but Javier Assad's opportunity could lead to a breakthrough performance.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs have recalled right-handed pitcher Javier Assad from their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa to make a start on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Assad's promotion comes after the Cubs placed starting pitchers Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton on the injured list with biceps and forearm issues, respectively.

Why it matters

Assad has shown promise in his previous major league stints with the Cubs, posting a 3.43 ERA over 331 innings. With two rotation spots now open, Assad has an opportunity to solidify himself as a regular part of the Cubs' starting staff if he can build on his strong 2022 campaign.

The details

Assad, 28, made two starts for Iowa this season, giving up seven earned runs on 14 hits and six walks while striking out seven over seven innings. In his MLB debut in 2022, Assad went 1-1 with an 8.10 ERA, though he bounced back with a strong 5.2 scoreless inning outing against the Rays in his first start of 2023. With Boyd potentially returning this weekend and Horton now set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, Assad has a chance to cement his role in the Cubs' rotation with a solid performance on Tuesday.

  • Assad was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Monday, April 17, 2023.
  • Assad is scheduled to make the start against the Rays on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

The players

Javier Assad

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent parts of four seasons in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 3.43 ERA over 331 innings.

Matthew Boyd

A Cubs starting pitcher who was placed on the injured list with a biceps injury and could return as soon as this weekend.

Cade Horton

A Cubs starting pitcher who was placed on the injured list with a forearm injury and is now set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Assad has shown promise in his previous major league stints with the Cubs, and this is a great opportunity for him to solidify his role in the rotation.”

— Sahadev Sharma, Cubs beat writer

What’s next

If Assad can build on his strong 2022 campaign and deliver another solid outing against the Rays, he may end up sticking in the Cubs' rotation even after Boyd and Horton return from the injured list.

The takeaway

With injuries to two key members of their starting rotation, the Cubs are turning to Javier Assad to fill a spot in the rotation. Assad has shown flashes of potential in the majors, and this call-up represents an opportunity for him to cement his role as a regular starter for the Cubs going forward.