Cubs signal they're ready to correct Javier Assad mistake that never should have happened

The Chicago Cubs appear to be ready to correct the mistake that was optioning Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa on August 21. Assad is eligible to be recalled from Triple-A on Saturday, and he's currently with the Cubs ahead of their series against the Miami Marlins this weekend.

Shota Imanaga is starting for the Cubs on Friday night, but it would appear there's a chance that Assad makes a start on either Saturday or Sunday. While Clay Holmes' turn in the rotation is up on Saturday, and Matthew Boyd's on Sunday, the Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro reports that the current starters for the team on each day are listed as TBD.

The case of why the Cubs keep optioning Assad to Triple-A throughout the regular season is straightforward. He has minor-league options, and that allows the Cubs to keep other pitchers on the roster without risk of losing them. It's certainly a standard process that takes place throughout the season, as the playoffs start to come into sight, the premise is that it's time to have your best 26 players on the roster.

Cubs are finally signaling they'll reverse Javier Assad decision they got wrong

That hasn't been the case for Assad, despite him being the crutch for the pitching staff time after time. A mistake the Cubs have been forced to live with over the past week, considering the numerous implosions from the bullpen.

While it's clear that Assad will be rejoining the Cubs in the days ahead, it's unclear who he will be replacing. One candidate is Jacob Webb. Webb's X-rays on his forearm were negative, but the Cubs still haven't completely ruled out the idea that an IL stint will be needed. It would be a simple swap, and one that allows Webb to return before the playoffs, but at the moment, the Cubs may not be in a position to be without their best relief pitcher for two weeks while trying to lockdown playoff spot.

If not, optioning Tyler Ferguson may be the move for the Cubs. Like Assad, Ferguson does have minor-league options and the Cubs can send him down without risk of losing a different pitcher due to waivers. Eventually, the Cubs may not be able to fall back on these gymnastics, considering they could have as many as four pitchers return from injury before October.

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