Cubs plan to call up RHP Assad to start Tuesday
The Cubs are planning to call up right-hander Javier Assad to make his major-league debut in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against St. Louis.
Assad, 25, is a native of Mexico who has been with the Cubs since 2016 and seemed to make a big jump this season. Between Double A Tennessee and Triple A Iowa, he's posted a 5-3 record with a 2.66 ERA and roughly 9 strikeouts per 9 innings.
In his last two starts in Iowa, Assad allowed just 1 run over 12 innings, with a combined 11 strikeouts and 1 walk. He is not ranked among the team's Top 30 prospects by MLB Pipeline.
"He's been throwing the ball really well," manager David Ross said before Monday's game. "I haven't looked at his stuff, other than I know sinker, slider, change guy; 93, 94 (miles per hour), knows how to command the zone from all I've heard. Look forward to seeing him at some people and see how he competes tomorrow."
The Cubs chose to bypass a couple of pitchers who were in the majors already this season, Caleb Kilian and Matt Swarmer, along with newcomer Hayden Wesneski. But the Cubs are still TBA for Wednesday's start, so one of those three might get the call. Adrian Sampson is slated to start Game 2 against the Cardinals.
Canario promoted:
There was more news from the minor leagues, with outfielder Alexander Canario moving up to Triple A Iowa, according to multiple reports.
Canario is one of the Cubs' most important prospects, because he has power potential. Between South Bend and Tennessee, the Dominican Republic native has hit .256 with 31 home runs and 83 RBI this season.
One impressive trait is Canario went from a 37.5% strikeout rate in April to 27% in August, while moving up a level. He also has 20 stolen bases.
The Cubs got Canario and Caleb Kilian from San Francisco last year in the Kris Bryant trade. MLB Pipeline has Canario rated the Cubs' No. 9 prospect, with Kilian at 14.
One other minor-league promotion of note: After five games in the Arizona rookie league, OF Brennen Davis will continue his rehab from back surgery in Class A South Bend. Davis went 2-for-14 with a home run in Mesa.
Wisdom shows progress:
Patrick Wisdom was not in the starting lineup for the second straight day, but his injured left ring finger is showing improvement. He took ground ball before Monday's game and manager David Ross thought he'd be available to pinch-hit or pinch-run.