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  "path": "/cubs/2026/04/07/right-hander-javier-assad-steps-up-in-cubs-win-over-rays",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-08T02:29:36.285Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For a brief moment on Tuesday, Tropicana Field was very friendly to right-hander <b>Javier Assad</b>.</p><p>After recording two outs in the sixth inning, manager <b>Craig Counsell</b> walked from the dugout to bring in left-hander <b>Hoby Milner</b>.</p><p>But as Assad exited the field, Cubs fans rose to their feet for a thunderous standing ovation, just like a day game at Wrigley Field.</p><p>A once promising season had turned dour with news of <b>Cade Horton</b>, arguably the team’s best pitcher, undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. Amid the team's lackluster start, Cubs fans needed a reprieve. They needed something to cheer for. They needed to celebrate the Cubs' 9-2 win over the Rays.</p><p>“That was f—ing sick,” center fielder <b>Pete Crow-Armstrong</b> said of Assad’s performance.</p><p>The offense showed up, stringing together quality at-bats and cashing in on opportunities and slugging for power. But Assad led the charge.</p><p>Assad threw 5 ⅔ scoreless innings, striking out three and walking two in his 2026 debut. The Cubs needed Assad's steadying performance.</p><p>Given all the pitching injuries ailing the Cubs, Assad not only had to have a lengthy outing to preserve the bullpen, but it needed to be quality as the Cubs looked to escape the malaise they were in.</p><p>“Javy has done that many times,” Counsell said. “He stepped up when the team has needed, and we certainly need it right now and he delivered.”</p><p>In the fifth, with<b> Junior Caminero</b> and <b>Chandler Simpson</b> on first and second with no outs, he needed to summon his best stuff. On a 1-2 count to <b>Cedric Mullins</b>, Assad got the former All-Star to strike out on a nasty changeup. Then he forced <b>Nick Fortes</b> to ground into a double play to end the inning and the Rays’ best chance at scoring.</p><p>As he left the mound, Assad showcased his trademark fiery personality, gave a fist pump toward the Cubs dugout and screamed in glee.</p><p>“It’s really neat, I was not expecting that,” Assad said. “There were a lot of fans out there, but it’s a really good feeling, even if we’re not at home, to have the crowd here.”</p><p>For one day, the Cubs could forget about the injury news and just enjoy a win.</p><p><b>Bregman’s breakout</b></p><p>The underlying numbers portended a big Alex Bregman game sooner than later, and he delivered on Tuesday. Bregman was 3-for-5 in the Cubs' win. Though there wasn’t any consternation about his lagging production, it felt good for Bregman to see balls find grass.</p><p>“Just trying to focus on swinging a good pitch, cleaning up the bat path,” Bregman said. “Felt like as a team, we did a really good job today of continuing to put pressure on all game long, and a lot of guys had big days.”</p><p>Bregman also credited Assad, whose quick, efficient innings got the defense off their feet quickly.</p><p><b>Shaw’s hot streak</b></p><p>April has been kind to<b> Matt Shaw</b>. Entering play Tuesday, Shaw was batting .250/.294/.625 with a .919 OPS.</p><p>Shaw went 2-for-5 with an RBI and is on a three-game hitting streak.</p><p><b>Offensive breakthrough</b></p><p><b>• Crow-Armstrong</b> slugged his first homer of the season and went 3-for-5.</p><p>• <b>Moises Ballesteros </b>went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and hit his first homer of the season.</p><p>• <b>Nico Hoerner</b> went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.<br></p>",
  "title": "Right-hander Javier Assad steps up in Cubs' win over Rays",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-08T02:29:36.285Z"
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