Tijuana’s Javier Assad eager to help Cubs’ playoff run
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Sinhue Mendoza, Contributor
- July 29, 2025
Javier Assad set for rehab start with Iowa Cubs
CHICAGO – Cubs right-hander Javier Assad made a pit stop in the city for the south side festivities Sunday as the Tijuana, Mexico, native prepares to make a rehab start for the Class AAA Iowa Cubs on Wednesday.
He has spent all season recovering from a left oblique strain he suffered during the Cactus League. Then he aggravated the injury during a rehab start in April.
Javier Assad, who was 7-6 with a 3.73 ERA over 29 starts last season, could be close to a return to the majors.
The Tijuanense is in good spirits after a couple of good bullpen sessions. He was happy to watch the Crosstown Classic.
“To be honest, it’s beautiful,” Javier Assad said of the classic at Rate Field. “I’ve been able to be a part of a lot of these classics, and the atmosphere is great. (Sunday’s) game was a good one, a nice win for us and a great crowd.
“I’m grateful to be able to be in Chicago for this series and happy to be with the team.”
Assad has started and pitched out of the bullpen in his career. His main priority at this point is to get back on a big league mound.
“My focus is to feel good and ready to go and continue to get back. I’ll be ready to help wherever I’m needed,” he said. “I’m good. Grateful to God and happy to be back here with the team for a bit. It’s nice to be here with the guys. More than anything I feel good.”
Birthday start
After two strong bullpen sessions this weekend at the White Sox’s Rate Field, the Mexican hurler is set to make a rehab start with the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday. The outing will be extra special because it will come on his 28th birthday and no better place to celebrate than on the mound.
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“En la loma,” (On the mound) he said with a laugh when asked where he would be celebrating. “I have to pitch so I’ll be there, and we’ll see how that goes and then I can think about celebrating my birthday.”
The Cubs and Assad hope to celebrate come October. They have been atop the NL Central standings heading into the All-Star break and are currently tied with the Brewers atop the Central Division at 19 games over .500. They are poised to make a strong push for the playoffs.
“I’m thrilled to see the team doing well, and I want to be there,” he said. “God willing, the time will come. Right now, we’re preparing, and when the time is right, we’ll be back here.”
Being back and contributing to a winning ballclub is Assad’s goal. After watching another Crosstown Classic series win in front of raucous crowds with a playoff atmosphere, he can’t wait.
Sinhue Mendoza
Contributor
Sports business columnist Sinhue Mendoza is a publicist based in Chicago. He has more than 16 years in sports business, working media relations, social media, marketing and broadcasting. Mendoza, a proud son of Mexican immigrants, has worked professionally with some of the biggest brands in American sports, including the Chicago Cubs, U.S. Soccer, Notre Dame Football, and Major League Baseball.
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