Chicago Cubs Set Rotation for Toronto Blue Jays Series

The Chicago Cubs have set their rotation for this weekend’s series at the Toronto Blue Jays, with a rookie set to take the mound for Friday’s opener.

The Cubs (59-56) go into the series within 2.5 games of the National League Central lead and .5 games out of the final Wild Card spot after Wednesday’s loss to the New York Mets.

Javier Assad, a right-hander, will start the opener, which starts at 6:07 p.m. Assad (1-2, 3.35) will start just his third game this season with the Cubs, but will make his 21st appearance.

Assad’s first start came on April 20 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he took a no-decision after pitching three innings, giving up three hits, two runs and two walks. He struck out three and gave up two home runs.

He made his other start on Saturday against Atlanta. Again, he received a no-decision. He threw 3.2 inning, giving up five hits, two runs, one home run and two walks. He struck out three and threw a season-high 83 pitches.

The Cubs are moving Drew Smyly out of the rotation and into the bullpen and deploying the right-hander against a Blue Jays lineup that is heavy on right-handed hitters.

After Assad throws on Friday, left-hander Justin Steele (13-3, 2.68) will pitch Saturday’s game, which starts ta 2:07 p.m.

Steele has emerged as the Cubs’ best starter in the second half. In his last seven starts he is 5-1 with a 2.79 ERA. In his last 15 starts he is 9-3 with a 3.19 ERA.

In his last start on Sunday against Atlanta, he claimed the victory, throwing 5.1 innings and giving up eight hits. He allowed four runs (three earned), a home run and four walks. He also struck out seven. It was his fourth win in as many starts.

Right-hander Jameson Taillon (7-6, 5.17) will start Sunday’s game at 12:37 p.m. Taillon is on an incredible run, with a 5-0 record and a 2.76 ERA in his last seven starts. He took the victory in his last start on Tuesday against the New York Mets. He worked seven innings, giving up three hits, two runs and a home run. He struck out seven and walked none.

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