Cubs activate RHP Javier Assad from IL to start vs. Cardinals

Field Level Media|published: 07/13/2024, 6:52pm EDT

Jun 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (72) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs activated right-hander Javier Assad from the 15-day injured list on Saturday and he will start Game 2 of a doubleheader against the host St. Louis Cardinals.

Assad was on the IL with a right forearm strain. He last pitched for the Cubs on June 23.

Assad, who turns 27 on July 30, is 4-3 with a 3.04 ERA in 16 starts this season. He has struck out 79 in 83 innings.

Also, left-hander Luke Little (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day IL and right-hander Ethan Roberts was recalled from Triple-A Iowa.

Little, 23, departed Friday's 5-1 victory over the Cardinals in the eighth injury with discomfort in the shoulder. Little is 3-1 with a 3.46 ERA in 30 relief appearances.

Roberts, 27, appeared in three games for Chicago earlier this season and tossed four shutout innings.

St. Louis won Saturday's opener, 11-3.

--Field Level Media