The Cubs optioned Assad to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Assad was terrific in three appearances during Cactus League play, allowing two runs (one earned) with an 8:1 K:BB over 6.2 innings. It wasn't enough for him to capture a spot on the Opening Day roster, but Assad will play a role on the Cubs in 2026, either as a long reliever, spot starter or both.

Assad arrived at spring training Thursday after a slight delay due to a visa issue, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Assad was slightly delayed in his arrival from his native Mexico, but it doesn't seem that the issue will interrupt his spring routine at all. The 28-year-old has served as both a starter and a long reliever the past few seasons for the Cubs. Assad missed most of last year with an oblique injury and will look to turn in a fully healthy campaign in 2026. He looks destined for the bullpen with the Cubs adding Edward Cabrera to the rotation and Cade Horton emerging as a strong starting option last season.

Assad and the Cubs agreed to a one-year, $1.8 million deal to avoid arbitration Thursday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Assad was eligible for arbitration for the first time in his career, and he'll get a $1 million raise relative to his 2025 salary. He missed most of last year with an oblique injury and looks likely to begin the new campaign working out of the bullpen, barring significant injuries to the Cubs' rotation.

Assad (4-1) allowed three hits and one walk while striking out six over 5.1 shutout innings to earn the win Sunday over the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Assad closed out the regular season by winning four of his last five outings, one of which was a relief appearance. In that span, he gave up nine runs across 23 innings with a 14:9 K:BB. The right-hander has a 3.65 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 23:12 K:BB across 37 innings through eight appearances (seven starts) this season. His 79-pitch outing Sunday will likely keep him off the Cubs' roster for the wild-card round versus the Padres, but Assad could be included in the bullpen if Chicago advances to the NLDS.

Assad is slated to start Sunday's game against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

EDGE Analysis

Assad will make a second straight start to close out the regular season after allowing two earned runs over four innings in a no-decision his last time out Sept. 20 versus the Reds. Since the Cubs will begin a best-of-three wild-card series versus the Padres on Tuesday, Assad likely won't be rested enough to remain in consideration for a roster spot during the first round of the playoffs.

Assad did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Reds, allowing two runs on three hits with two strikeouts over two innings.

EDGE Analysis

Assad managed just 43 strikes on 74 pitches and generated only four whiffs in his first start since Sept. 5. The 28-year-old has logged a 4.26 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 17:11 K:BB across 31.2 innings through seven appearances (six starts) this season. If the Cubs elect to give him another turn in the rotation, he's lined up for a home matchup with the Cardinals next weekend.

Assad is slated to start Saturday's game in Cincinnati, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs have already clinched a playoff berth but are six games behind the Brewers in the NL Central standings heading into play Saturday, so the team is essentially locked into a best-of-three wild-card series in the postseason. As a result, the Cubs appear content to build in an extra day of rest for their rotation members heading into the playoffs and will do so by having Assad make a spot start Saturday. Since moving to the bullpen earlier this month, Assad's lone relief appearance was a 2.1-inning outing back on Sept. 14, so he should be well rested and capable of providing plenty of length Saturday. Over six appearances (five starts) for the big club this season, Assad has gone 3-1 with a 4.23 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 15:9 K:BB across 27.2 innings.

With Jameson Taillon (groin) set to rejoin Chicago's rotation Wednesday, Assad is likely to return to the bullpen, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Assad has made five starts for the Cubs this year after recovering from a strained oblique, turning in a 4.62 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 25.1 innings. However, Taillon's imminent return leaves Chicago with a full rotation that also includes Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea. Assad pitched well in a swing role back in 2023, when he compiled a 3.05 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 109.1 innings across 10 starts and 22 relief appearances. The righty will likely once again give the Cubs some length out of the bullpen, and he's capable of making a spot start if needed.

Assad (2-1) earned the win against the Nationals on Friday, allowing four runs on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 5.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Assad threw just 49 of 81 pitches for strikes and generated six whiffs but still worked into the sixth inning for a third straight outing. The 28-year-old gave up two runs in the fourth before being charged with two more after exiting with two on in the sixth. He owns a 4.62 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 14:7 K:BB across 25.1 innings this season and is likely headed back to the bullpen with Jameson Taillon (groin) set to return next week.

Assad (1-1) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out one over six innings to earn the win over the Rockies on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Assad was able to earn his second quality start in a row, putting together an efficient outing in Colorado. He threw just 46 of 80 pitches for strikes, but he was able to hold the Rockies largely at bay until he started to fade in the sixth inning. Assad is now at a 4.05 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 10:5 K:BB through 20 innings over four starts this season. Jameson Taillon (groin) isn't eligible to return until the second week of September at the earliest, so Assad should be penciled in to make his next start at home versus the Nationals.