Javier Assad (oblique) will open the 2025 season on the injured list, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Assad’s targeting a return to mound work next week, but the Cubs say he’s too far behind to be ready for the season’s start—landing him on the IL. That clears the lane for Colin Rea, Jordan Wicks, and Ben Brown to battle it out for Chicago’s fifth rotation slot this spring. Fantasy managers can shift focus; Assad’s mid-rotation upside takes a backseat until he’s back, leaving deeper league stashes on hold.

Javier Assad has a chance to throw off a mound this week with a stint on the injured list to open the season remaining possible.

Fantasy Impact

Assad suffered a mild left oblique strain early in camp that he is working his way back from. He had been competing for one of the final spots in the Cubs starting rotation. Colin Rea, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks are also in competition for the final spot.

Javier Assad (oblique) has resumed playing catch after being diagnosed with a mild oblique strain earlier in camp, per Maddie Lee of The Chicago Sun-Times. While it’s a positive step, there is still no timetable for when he will return to mound work or game action.

Fantasy Impact

Assad is competing for the final spot in the Cubs’ rotation, so any extended delay could hurt his chances. If he can ramp up quickly, he remains in the mix, but with competition from Ben Brown and others, his fantasy outlook remains uncertain. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should monitor his status as spring training progresses.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Javier Assad is dealing with a mild oblique strain.

Fantasy Impact

Counsell added that there should not be too many days without throwing. Assad's status will need to be monitored as camp progresses.

Javier Assad is dealing with oblique soreness and will undergo an MRI.

Fantasy Impact

It's unclear how he suffered the injury but he will be held out until testing is complete. The 27-year-old is competing for a spot in the Cubs' rotation and could miss out on that opportunity if he is forced to miss significant time.