Javier Assad surprisingly sent down as Cubs prep for Brewers showdown

With the Chicago Cubs not naming a starter for their second game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, it felt like Jameson Taillon was going to be the 27th man on the roster. With Cade Horton starting in the afternoon contest and the bullpen likely being leaned on, the return of Taillon made sense. Especially when you consider that the Cubs are playing the Brewers in five games over the next four days.

While Taillon likely will make a start before the series concludes, the veteran starting pitcher was not the 27th man added to the roster. Instead, the Cubs announced on Monday morning that Gavin Hollowell will be the 27th man on the roster for Monday's doubleheader. In addition, Javier Assad has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, and Luke Little has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa.

Unexpected Cubs roster twist sees Javier Assad sent down

A quick note on Taillon: he may be added to the roster after Game 1. For now, Little gives the Cubs a fresh arm for the afternoon contest. The Cubs have been cautious with Horton's innings, so chances are Game 1 will be heavy on bullpen usage. With Hollowell as the 27th man and Little as the initial roster move, they now have two fresh arms for the first game.

While not confirmed, it's possible Little is optioned back to Triple-A after Game 1 and Taillon is activated from the IL. Hollowell, as the 27th man, is required to be on the roster for each game.

It's likely a surprise to some Cubs fans that Assad has been optioned just after making his season debut last week, but again, the Cubs are about to play five games over the next four days. With Assad pitching four innings during the Cubs' victory over the Pirates on Sunday, he likely was going to be unavailable for this series. It wouldn't have made sense for the Cubs to keep him on the roster, considering they will need any available arms for this series.

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