Cubs' Javier Assad: Could be needed for MLB rotation
With Cade Horton (forearm) set to land on the injured list, Assad is an option to get promoted from the minors and fill the rotation spot, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
Horton departed Friday's contest after only an inning of work due to right forearm discomfort, and he will be examined more fully to determine the extent of the injury. Following a rain out Saturday, the Cubs don't have to worry about Horton's spot in the rotation again until Wednesday. Assad is a candidate to get the call from Triple-A Iowa, though it appears to be more likely that Colin Rea moves over from the MLB bullpen and into the rotation. Even if Assad isn't needed right away, the Horton injury does move him closer to a promotion if any other Chicago pitchers go down or if Rea is ineffective filling in.
