Cubs Recall Javier Assad, Place Ryan Brasier on IL

Hey, looks like Javier Assad was hanging around as an injury replacement after all. The good news is that it’s not for Cade Horton, who has apparently mitigated his blister issue. The better news, at least based on recent performance, is that it’s to fill the spot vacated by Ryan Brasier‘s placement on the IL with a strained ERA groin.

Assad will be on the bump Friday night; see the press release for more.

The Chicago Cubs today recalled right-handed pitcher Javier Assad from Triple-A Iowa. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Ryan Brasier was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left groin strain.

Assad, 28, was activated from the 60-day injured list on August 12 and pitched two games before being optioned to Triple-A Iowa. He went 0-1 with a 5.63 ERA (5 ER/8.0 IP) and five strikeouts in the two starts. He opened the season on the injured list with a left oblique strain. He is expected to start tonight’s game at the Angels.

Brasier, 37, is 0-1 with 4.50 ERA (13 ER/26.0 IP) in 28 games (one start) with the Cubs this season. This is his second stint on the injured list with a left groin strain (also March 25-May 23).

The Cubs play the Los Angeles Angels tonight at 8:38 p.m. CT at Angel Stadium in a game that can be seen on Marquee Sports Network and heard on 670 the Score and, in Spanish, on WRTO 1200 AM.