Assad (6-4) allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out three over seven innings, taking the loss versus the Marlins on Sunday.
Assad gave up solo home runs to Connor Norby and Jesus Sanchez in the first inning, and the Cubs never recovered from that. Despite the early struggles, Assad was able to grind out seven innings for the first time this year on an efficient 87 pitches (59 strikes) to earn his first quality start in five outings in August. He's pitched to a 3.15 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 102:51 K:BB through 120 innings over 24 starts this season. The right-hander's next start is projected to be on the road against the Nationals.