Javier Assad

The Cubs optioned Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa.

Fantasy Impact

Assad had been in a long relief role for the Cubs. Ty Blach had his contract selected as the corresponding move.

Javier Assad pitched 5.2 innings and allowed one run on three hits in a no-decision on Sunday as the Cubs defeated the Mets, 2-1, in 10 innings.

Fantasy Impact

Assad rebounded nicely after allowing nine runs on 11 hits in 4.1 innings against the Phillies in his previous outing. He did not walk a batter and struck out three, allowing just a solo home run to MJ Melendez for the only blemish on his line. Matthew Boyd is expected to make his return to the Cubs' rotation on Wednesday so it remains to be seen if Assad will get another turn. If he does, he is lined up to face the Dodgers on Friday.

Javier Assad was touched up for nine runs on 11 hits in 4.1 innings on Monday as the Cubs dropped a 13-7 decision in the series opener against the Phillies.

Fantasy Impact

Assad dropped to 1-1 on the season and his ERA rose to 8.10 despite pitching 5.2 scoreless innings in his first start of the year last Tuesday. The righthander allowed a pair of home runs - both off the bat of Kyle Schwarber - and had just one inning (the fourth) where he retired the Phillies in order. Chicago was still in the game in the fifth, but Assad allowed five runs on five hits and a walk before exiting with just one out in the inning. Lefthander Matthew Boyd (bicep) is expected to rejoin the Cubs' rotation next week, so Assad could be the odd man out. He's tentatively scheduled to start again on Sunday against the Mets, assuming he remains in the rotation after Monday's dud.

Javier Assad earned the win on Tuesday after allowing just one hit in 5.2 scoreless innings as the Cubs defeated the Rays, 9-2. Assad walked two and struck out three.

Fantasy Impact

Assad (1-0) was called up on Monday after both Matthew Boyd (biceps) and Cade Horton (forearm) were placed on the IL. The righthander took Boyd's spot in the rotation on Tuesday and was perfect through four innings before allowing a walk and a single to open the fifth. He pitched out of the jam and then allowed a walk in the sixth before retiring the next two batters to end his day. With Horton out for the remainder of the season, Assad will likely remain in the rotation until, at least, Boyd returns from his injury. While not an overpowering pitcher, he does have a 3.37 ERA in 79 appearances (55 starts) during his big league career. He's currently penciled in to start next Monday against the Phillies and he could be worth a look in fantasy, especially in deeper leagues.

The Cubs are recalling Javier Assad from Triple-A to start on Tuesday against the Rays.

Fantasy Impact

Assad gets the call with Matthew Boyd headed to the injured list. He just missed making the Opening Day roster and now gets his opportunity for this season.