The Chicago Cubs head into the Rogers Centre tonight. They will take on the AL East-leading Blue Jays in a three-game series. The Cubs are holding on to the first wild-card spot as play starts today in the National League. They are now six and a half games back from the Brewers in the NL Central. The Brewers remain red hot. They have won 10 straight games. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have gone five and five over their last ten.
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Javier Assad Returns
The Chicago Cubs have activated right-handed pitcher Javier Assad from the 60-day injured list. Assad has missed the majority of the season so far. He suffered a left oblique injury during training camp. He re-aggravated it while on a rehab assignment in April. Assad made four starts on a rehab assignment for Triple-A Iowa. He did not factor into any decisions, but he recorded a 2.93 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 15 and one-third innings. He struck out 15 batters and held his opponents to a .254 batting average against while with Iowa. Last season for the Chicago Cubs, he finished with a 7-6 record and a 3.73 ERA over 147 innings pitched in 29 starts. Assad is a valuable piece to this Cubs pitching staff, whether that’s out of the bullpen or as a starter.
Miguel Amaya Activated
The Chicago Cubs have activated catcher Miguel Amaya from the 60-day injured list today. This is ahead of their series opener with the Blue Jays. Like Assad, Amaya was on the shelf with a left oblique strain suffered earlier this season. Amaya has played in 27 games this year for the Cubs and has a .280 batting average. Amaya has nine doubles, four home runs, and 25 RBI on the year. Before his injury, he and Carson Kelly shared time behind the dish. They provided pop to this Cubs offense.
Nate Pearson Optioned
The Chicago Cubs have optioned right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson back to the Iowa Cubs in Triple-A today. Pearson has pitched in 11 games for the Cubs this season with one loss and a 9.20 ERA. He will head back to Triple-A and pitch from the bullpen.
Jon Berti Designated for Assignment
The Chicago Cubs have announced they are designating infielder Jon Berti for assignment before their series with the Blue Jays. Berti has played in 53 games this year for the Cubs, but struggled offensively with a .210 batting average. Berti was a veteran presence who helped with third base and served as a backup for others during the season. His only true offensive contribution this year was his 11 steals while with Chicago.
