Javier Assad Recalled, Ethan Roberts Optioned Before Cubs-Giants

javier assad is back with the Chicago Cubs, who recalled the right-hander from Triple-A Iowa before Saturday's second game against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field and optioned Ethan Roberts to Triple-A Iowa in the corresponding move. Chicago made the switch a day after an 18-3 loss and with the club still sitting fourth in the National League Central.

Assad Returns to Wrigley

Assad, 28, is in his fifth MLB season, and all five have come with the Cubs. He entered Saturday with a 3-1 record, a 5.88 ERA, eight appearances and three starts this year, giving Chicago another right-handed arm as it tried to reset after Friday's lopsided defeat.

Roberts, also 28, was sent down after working in 14 games this season. He leaves with a 0-1 record and a 1.96 ERA, and the move trims the active staff for a game that mattered because the Cubs were 33-31 through 64 games and 4-6 over their last ten.

Chicago's Series Shift

The Cubs had gone 19-14 in 33 home games before Saturday, and the Giants arrived at Wrigley in fourth place in the National League West at 26-38. That sets up a short runway for Chicago at home before the club heads to Denver for a series with the Colorado Rockies that starts on Tuesday.

For the Cubs, the roster change put a fifth-season pitcher back in the mix immediately after a loss that exposed how quickly a game can get away from them. Assad's return gives Craig Counsell a familiar option, while Roberts' trip to Iowa opens a spot the club can use to manage the next two games against San Francisco.

Craig Counsell's Clubhouse Move

Before the game, Craig Counsell spent a few minutes catching up with Giants manager Tony Vitello during batting practice at Wrigley Field. The bigger item for Chicago, though, was the bullpen reshuffle that came before first pitch and changed the look of the staff for the second game of the series.