Javier Assad (oblique) will throw two innings in an extended spring training game Friday, according to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times. Assad is expected to make one more extended spring appearance before beginning a formal minor-league rehab assignment as he works back from an oblique injury.

Fantasy Impact

Assad (oblique) begins game progression Friday in extended spring training. With more build-up and a rehab assignment still needed, he remains at least a few weeks away. Ben Brown continues to hold the fifth starter spot.

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.