Cubs’ roster casualty is crystal clear after seismic trade deadline reshaped pitching staff

Revamping their pitching staff at the trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs have set the stage for some curious roster decisions during the weeks ahead. The Cubs added four pitchers at the deadline, but only one, Braxton Garrett, isn't expected to be a contributor this season.

The early plan is for both Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes to pitch out of the starting rotation upon making their respective debuts, and Ryan Zeferjahn likely will be considered the team's closer before too long. That doesn't even factor in the returns of Edward Cabrera and Hoby Milner later this month, and the hopeful returns of Shelby Miller, Ben Brown, Justin Steele, and Hunter Harvey by the end of the season.

Suddenly, the Cubs went from having not enough pitching to potentially having a wealth of options by the end of the season. That is going to lead to some roster gymnastics, and there's one move that feels all too obvious.

Javier Assad is starting for the Cubs on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and chances are he could be back with Triple-A Iowa before the end of the month. The move has little to do with how Assad has performed for the Cubs this season, but the reality of the situation.

Javier Assad's status is plus for the Cubs, even if it means stashing him

First and foremost, the Cubs will already have one bulk option in the bullpen once Colin Rea moves out of the rotation. Aaron Civale could be another option, but he is a DFA candidate once the pitching staff gets healthy. Not to mention, the Cubs could have six viable starting pitchers on their roster in Gausman, Holmes, Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and David Peterson.

Considering that Assad has minor-league options remaining, it would seem to be safe bet that he is eventually stashed with the Iowa Cubs. The idea being that the Cubs can keep Assad stretched out and pitching on regular scheduled. That way, he's ready at a moment's notice in the event there is another injury.

It's somewhat unfair to Assad, considering he sports a 3.75 in a tick under 70 innings pitched this season. He's done everything he's been asked to do, and has been an unsung hero for the pitching staff. That said, with the moves that Jed Hoyer made at the deadline, this is a good problem to have.

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