The Cubs are moving Javier Assad to the bullpen, manager Craig Counsell told reporters (including Jordan Bastian of MLB.com). He makes way in the rotation for Matthew Boyd, who was activated from the 15-day injured list to start tonight’s game against the Phillies.
Assad keeps his spot on the active roster for now, as southpaw Luke Little was optioned out in the corresponding move. The righty opened the year on optional assignment to Triple-A. Chicago recalled Assad when Boyd went down on April 6 with a biceps strain.
The 28-year-old Assad took three turns through the rotation, pitching quite well in two of those appearances. Assad worked 5 2/3 scoreless innings to beat the Rays in his season debut. He allowed only an MJ Melendez solo home run across 5 2/3 frames in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over the Mets. The intervening appearance was rough, as Philadelphia torched him for nine runs and a loss on April 13.
In other bullpen news, Counsell provided an update on injured closer Daniel Palencia. The Cubs placed him on the 15-day injured list last Friday. The team initially announced it as a left oblique strain. Further testing revealed that Palencia actually suffered a mild lat strain, relays Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
Lat strains can lead to extended absences for pitchers, though this one isn’t expected to be serious. Palencia is a right-handed pitcher, so a left lat strain isn’t as concerning as one on the other side of his body would be. He’s likely to resume throwing this week and could be reinstated around two weeks from now. Palencia is eligible to return next Wednesday, and while he’s unlikely to be ready quite that soon, he’ll probably be back shortly after a minimal stay. Caleb Thielbar has picked up Chicago’s two saves since Palencia landed on the shelf.
The Cubs also announced that Porter Hodge underwent his previously reported UCL surgery this week. The team indicated it’ll be a 12-14 month recovery, as he required a Tommy John ligament reconstruction and the internal brace procedure. He’ll inevitably move to the 60-day injured list once the Cubs need a 40-man roster spot. Hodge will begin next season on the injured list as well, probably requiring another 60-day IL stint.
