Cubs move Smyly to bullpen, will start rookie RHP Assad
NEW YORK — With every game critical in a close playoff race, the Chicago Cubs are moving struggling left-hander Drew Smyly to the bullpen.
Rookie right-hander Javier Assad will take Smyly’s spot in the rotation this weekend at Toronto, which features several right-handed sluggers in a lineup battering lefties lately.
Smyly is 8-8 with a 5.05 ERA in 23 games this season, including 21 starts. He is 0-4 in his last six starts since June 28, with his only win during that stretch coming in relief July 28 at St. Louis.
Chicago manager David Ross said Smyly will provide length in the bullpen but probably won’t stay there for long.
“I don’t know that he needs a real mental break,” Ross said. “I think it’s just one of those things, it’s an opportunity for him to help us out of the ’pen while he’s not throwing his best, and Javy slots in who is throwing really
well.”
Assad is 1-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 18 relief appearances and two starts this year. He started Saturday at home against Atlanta and threw 83 pitches over 32⁄3 innings while allowing two runs and five hits. Rockies: Colorado recalled RHP Karl Kauffmann (1-3, 8.72 ERA in six games, including three starts) from Triple-a Albuquerque for his fourth stint on the active roster, and optioned RHP Connor Seabold (1-7, 7.65 ERA over
25 games, including 13 starts) to Albuquerque. Phillies: Left fielder Weston Wilson homered in his first major league plate appearance, in Philadelphia a long-awaited milestone for the 28-year-old rookie who was drafted in 2016. Wilson batted seventh in Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals and hit the third pitch he saw from Mackenzie Gore into the seats in left-center. His solo homer gave the Phillies a 4-0 lead in the second inning.