Chicago Cubs Need to Move Rising Pitcher Back into Bullpen for Team's Success

With another clear struggle by the Chicago Cubs' bullpen unit, they need to put their rising pitcher back into the bullpen for the team's best chance at success.

Apr 8, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (72) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs lost a shocking game on Monday night against the San Diego Padres after owning an 8-0 lead after the fourth inning and taking it into the sixth.

Starting pitcher Javier Assad was solid again, allowing two earned runs and striking out seven batters with three walks over his five innings pitched.

That puts the third-year player at having an ERA of 1.64 over his first two starts of the season.

He was primarily used out of the bullpen in 2023 before being inserted back into the starting rotation. His career ERA is 2.96 across 43 appearances and 20 starts.

So, why would the Cubs look to move a formidable piece of their rotation back into a relief role?

Because it could be for the long-term benefit of this team.

Chicago looked to remake their bullpen this offseason after their collapse late in 2023 was a major reason why they missed the playoffs. So far, the early returns have not been good as they sit with a 5.12 ERA that puts them at 22nd in the MLB, and were the sole cause of their collapse against the Padres.

They need more high-leverage arms across that unit and Assad could provide the answer.

Against San Diego, the velocity on his four-seam fastball peaked at 95.2 MPH, roughly two to three MPH faster than his average.

Assad projected to be a bullpen piece originally as he never was a highly-regarded prospect and his "stuff" is lacking compared to other starting pitcher profiles.

However, he's been extremely affective during his limited time playing for the Cubs.

This move won't come anytime soon as Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon are working their way back from injuries, but if they return and are productive, that could give Chicago the opportunity to send Assad into the bullpen and upgrade a unit which is sorely lacking.