Cubs lose crucial starting pitcher to IL as season outlook grows darker

The Chicago Cubs already have multiple starting pitchers on the injured list, and they unfortunately added another one to the IL on Thursday afternoon.

26-year-old right-hander Javier Assad was sent to the 15-day IL with a right forearm extensor strain, the team announced .

Assad has excelled in his role on Chicago’s staff this season, holding a 3.04 ERA through 83 innings pitched (16 starts).

Assad’s 79 strikeouts to 33 walks paint a more accurate picture of his contribution to the Cubs in 2024 than does his 4-3 record, given Chicago’s bullpen woes.

He now joins Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks on the IL as Chicago’s starting rotation grows thin.

The Cubs ‘pen isn’t healthy, either. The latest bad news -- right-hander Yency Almonte was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day IL on Thursday (right shoulder strain).

Pitching injuries continue to afflict the Cubs, and while Chicago’s management will continue to make moves in response, it’s beginning to feel like a lost season for The North Siders.

Chicago, 37-44, finds itself in last place in the National League Central with 81 games in the books and 81 left to play.

The Cubs need an offensive explosion over the next couple of weeks to stay alive in the National League Wild Card race.

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