Chicago Cubs manager confirms Ryan Pressly’s injury status, Javier Assad’s strain

The Chicago Cubs had a couple of troubling injury items pop up this week with their pitching staff.

Javier Assad had been dealing with an oblique injury since training camp. He exited a Triple-A outing on Tuesday after just four innings when his issue flared up again.

The Cubs were hoping he would be available soon after losing starting pitcher Justin Steele for the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Ryan Pressly recently had a knee procedure done

Cubs closer Ryan Pressly was not available on Wednesday night when the team defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-6. Chicago turned to Porter Hodge for a second consecutive night.

Pressly missed the game because he had a knee procedure done on Tuesday night. The Cubs hoped he’d be back in time to play the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Craig Counsell provided updates on two pitchers

Craig Counsell provided updates on two pitchers

Per Elise Menaker with Marquee Sports Network, Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided an update on Pressly and Assad before Friday’s game. Pressly has been throwing since Thursday, but the knee continues to be an “annoyance” for the 36-year-old righty. Assad has a Grade 2 strain.

“Ryan Pressly is throwing today and threw yesterday,” Menaker posted on X. “About the knee issue Counsell said it’s been an annoyance for Pressly, and he’s trying to put himself in a better spot day-to-day. Javier Assad reaggravated the same injury (left oblique). It’s considered a Grade 2 strain. No timeline.”

Amid the recent woes and injuries with the bullpen and starting rotation, the Cubs are expected to try and find outside help to complement one of the hottest offenses in the majors this spring.