Cubs Announce Surprise Roster Move Monday

The Chicago Cubs announced on Monday that the team has recalled outfielder Nelzon Velazquez from Triple-A Iowa Cubs and optioned right-hander Javier Assad. 

It is a bit of a surprising move as Assad was incredibly impressive during MLB Spring Training, pitching 7.0 innings and allowing just two earned runs. He was supposed to be a pretty solid middle relief option for Chicago. 

Instead, Assad has given up six earned runs in just 4.1 innings pitched to start the 2023 MLB season. He has become a liability and will need to work on fixing whatever he is facing in an environment where the stakes are not as high. 

Vazquez meanwhile has an 1.129 OPS in 33 at-bats this season at Iowa. Chicago drafted him in the fifth round of the 2017 MLB draft and has 185 at-bats at the MLB level in which he has slashed .205/.286/.373. However, his red-hot start to the season could provide the Cubs offense with some much needed life.