Chicago Cubs actually have cause for pitching optimism heading into All-Star break

The Chicago Cubs would have every justification for curling up in a ball and bringing out the infamous, but oddly comforting “wait ‘til next year” line.

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They’re currently missing four of the five starters projected to make up their rotation (Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon), plus a fourth starter in Ben Brown, who had surprisingly emerged as the team’s best rotation piece. They’re currently missing closer Daniel Palencia and setup man Hoby Milner, along with several other bullpen arms. Last year’s ace Matthew Boyd and veteran reliever Phil Maton also have a pair of IL stints apiece this season.

The Cubs, though, have fought the downward pull of destiny and have actually kept themselves a playoff-level team despite the pitching injuries and the presence of several emergency fill-in arms throughout the staff.

Cubs reasons for optimism

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals
Aug 31, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (72) reacts after coming off the mound against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

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But there’s actually some reason to feel a bit of optimism as the team heads into the All-Star break.

One reason is Javier Assad, the perpetually overlooked righty who’s been steadily effective throughout his five-year run with the Cubs. On Saturday, the 28-year-old gave the team 5 innings, allowing 2 earned runs in his start against the Cincinnati Reds. Since being plugged into the rotation, he’s posted a 2.39 ERA for a team desperate to find starting pitching help.

“It’s been a time of need for us in the rotation. When you have injuries and you bring guys up to add to your rotation, he has more than delivered from that role,” manager Craig Counsell told reporters before Saturday’s game. “That’s been a really positive development in the midst of a lot of injuries.

“He has taken advantage of an opportunity and given us strong innings. Whether it’s been starting or the bullpen, he’s given us very strong innings.”

The Cubs are also waiting on the return of Taillon, who looked good pitching 4.2 scoreless innings in what will be his last minor league rehab outing before rejoining the big league squad after the break.

Meanwhile, the returns of Palencia, Milner, and Cabrera are all slated for sometime in early August.

And, speaking of early August, there’s the August 3 MLB trade deadline, where the Cubs are expected to be aggressive in pursuing pitching reinforcements.

Also, a reality check

Craig Counsell, Chicago Cubs — Jun 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) looks on from the dugout prior to during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

So, yeah, there’s reason to feel at least somewhat good about where the Cubs pitching is headed after the break, at least relatively speaking when stacked up against where it was just a week or two ago. The team will still be running at a pitching deficit, though. They’ll still be missing several key components of the staff.

“We’re not going to come back from the break and be finished with the injuries,” Counsell asserted to media on Friday. “We’ve still got injury issues…Every team has some injuries, but to get back to medium strength, we’re still at a pretty big deficit after the break.”

Still, after this run of horrible luck, Cubs fans will take every bright spot they can find.

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