What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Javier Assad, a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is set to start in Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. This decision comes as the Cubs have already secured a playoff spot, although they remain six games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central standings. With the playoffs approaching, the Cubs are opting to give their rotation an extra day of rest, utilizing Assad for a spot start. Assad, who transitioned to the bullpen earlier this month, has made one relief appearance since, pitching 2.1 innings on September 14. Over the course of the season, Assad has participated in six games, five of which he started, achieving a 3-1 record with a 4.23 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and a 15:9 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 27.2 innings.
Why It's Important?
The decision to start Javier Assad highlights the Cubs' strategic planning as they prepare for the postseason. By resting their primary rotation, the team aims to ensure their pitchers are in optimal condition for the upcoming best-of-three wild-card series. This move underscores the importance of depth in a team's pitching staff, as having reliable backup options like Assad can be crucial in maintaining performance levels during critical playoff games. For Assad, this start represents an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities and potentially secure a more prominent role in the postseason lineup.
What's Next?
As the Cubs head into the playoffs, the performance of pitchers like Javier Assad will be closely monitored. Should Assad perform well, he may be considered for more significant roles in the postseason. The Cubs' management will continue to evaluate their rotation and bullpen strategies to maximize their chances in the wild-card series and beyond. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the Cubs leverage their pitching depth in pursuit of postseason success.
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