Cubs Promote RHP For MLB Debut

After seven years toiling in the minors, working his way up, a sizzling season in the minors has paid off for Chicago Cubs right-hander Javier Assad, as he's been selected to the roster, and will make his major league debut on Tuesday.

David Ross announces that righty Javier Assad will come up from @IowaCubs for his MLB debut in Game 1 on Tuesday. Sampson starts Game 2.

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) August 22, 2022

Signed out of Mexico in 2016, the 25-year-old Assad has a career ERA just under 4.00 in the minors, but this season he's reached another level, with a 2.66 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A. He has a 111:35 K/BB ratio in 108.1 innings. 

What a cool story of pitching development. In 2021, Assad had 7.2 K/9 and allowed a .365 OBP/ .465 SLG. He was a physically maxed-out 4-pitch, execution-over-stuff guy.

In 2022, his fb jumps ~3 (?) ticks, he adds a 87-90 mph cutter, and he’s 9.2 K/9 and .313 OBP / .366 SLG.

— Cubs Prospects - Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) August 22, 2022

Assad will get his chance to stick in the rotation if he makes good with the opportunity, as the Cubs are currently without a boatload of starters, including  Kyle Hendricks, Adbert Alzolay, Keegan Thompson, Wade Miley and Alec Mills.

Get ready to cheer on for Javier Assad and his awesome glasses in his MLB debut with the @cubs tomorrow! Here are some of my favorite pics of him with the @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/8oNto6Y3DQ

— Dylan Heuer (@dylan_heuer) August 22, 2022

 

 Photo Credits: @iowacubs