This improvement in Javier Assad's game gives Cubs pitching staff needed lifeline

Due to an unceasing parade of injuries in the rotation, the Chicago Cubs have had to dig a lot deeper into their coffers to cover innings than they otherwise would have hoped in the first half. Not including openers, 10 different pitchers have made multiple starts for the North Siders already this season, though only two (Shota imanaga and Colin Rea) have made at least 15.

Though things should hopefully get better after the All-Star Break -- Jameson Taillon, Ben Brown, and Edward Cabrera are all slated to return at some point in the second half -- depth will be more important than ever during the team's playoff push. And while outside additions via trade should help the cause, it's going to fall upon unsung heroes to keep the rotation propped up.

It just so happens that one of those unsung pitchers is in the midst of a confusing season. Javier Assad is working with the highest ERA (4.11) and FIP (5.22) of his career, though he's also lowered his walk rate (6.1%) and WHIP (1.13) to career-low levels.

The results may not be stellar, but the process is clearly there. Is that enough reason to believe that Assad can improve upon his performance in the second half?

Javier Assad has been far better in 2026 than Cubs fans realize

So much of Assad's appeal is tied to his versatility; he's made eight starts and seven relief appearances this season, completing 61.1 innings as a true swingman. His stats in the rotation are a marked improvement over his relief work (3.64 ERA vs. 5.12 ERA), which isn't too surprising for a pitch-to-contact arm who has historically always gotten better the deeper he goes into games.

His improved control is primarily function of a reworked sinker, which was responsible for an impressive +6 run value in the first half. He's throwing it harder and with more arm-side movement (and induced vertical break) this season, which is a promising sign for those who want to believe better days are ahead.

And that's not an unrealistic belief to have. In April, Assad had two disastrous outings: a nine-run blow-up agains the Phillies, and a six-run disaster against the Dodgers. In his other 13 appearances this season, he's allowed more than three runs just once.

By simply being healthy and available, he's already been immensely valuable to the Cubs. If Assad, who has a 2.55 ERA since May 1, can double down on what he's doing well this year, he may be the savior we've all been waiting for.

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