(670 The Score) Playing for his native Mexico team that reached the semifinals before suffering a heartbreaking loss, Cubs right-hander Javier Assad was one of the standout performers at the World Baseball Classic.
Assad threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits while striking out six and walking one. His performance left the Cubs thrilled with what they saw.
“We got to consider him for anything,” Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins said on the Parkins & Spiegel Show on Thursday when asked about Assad’s role for the team. “He’s been really, really good, proving that last year wasn’t just a flash in the pan. His velocity is up. He’s commanding the ball really well. He’s throwing some great off-speed stuff and then certainly is doing it on the big stage. So at the end of the day, we’re really excited about him. It looks like he’s going to have a good chance to impact us.”
Assad, 25, posted a 3.11 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP in 37 2/3 innings for the Cubs in 2023. He struck out 30 batters and walked 20.
Listen live to 670 The Score via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker