Outlook Javier Assad
Assad solidifies rotation spot with spectacular run of scoreless frames
Javier Assad has quickly pitched his way into a secure role for the Cubs. With rotation mates Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd sidelined on the injured list, Assad has stepped up and slots in as the number four starter in the rotation. At 28 years old, the right-hander has shown the versatility to excel both in relief and as a starter, making him an invaluable depth piece for a Chicago pitching staff currently navigating several key injuries.
Our season projections expect Assad to post a solid 3.80 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP over 64.0 innings of work, with roughly 75 strikeouts. These marks align nicely with his 3.88 career ERA from 2024. While he is more of a pitch-to-contact option rather than a high-strikeout force, his ability to suppress hard hits and limit walks makes him a stabilizing force for fantasy rotations needing depth in standard formats.
Ultimately, Assad represents a high-floor fantasy asset who can provide valuable innings and ratio support when the matchups are right. While he lacks the elite strikeout upside of a true fantasy ace, his secure starting role and solid defense behind him make him a highly reliable option to plug into active lineups, especially during favorable home matchups.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Mason Englert
Mason Englert provides versatile depth for Tampa Bay but remains a fantasy afterthought.
Recently recalled on June 3rd, Englert made an immediate impact by tossing a strong five-inning relief appearance with a 1.80 ERA and three strikeouts. He joins a first-place Rays team currently riding a three-game winning streak. While injuries to Craig Kimbrel and other key relievers open up bullpen opportunities, Englert remains a long-relief depth option rather than a high-leverage weapon.
His recent success is a small sample size compared to his overall 2026 ratios, which sit at a 5.05 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. Our models project him to settle in with a 4.13 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 61.0 innings of work. Given his career track record, fantasy managers should expect regression toward these modest projection baselines.
Tampa Bay concludes the week with a three-game series on the road against the Angels. Our projections slate Englert for 5.1 innings of work and 4.1 strikeouts over the weekly period. However, without a path to consistent saves or holds, his fantasy upside is extremely limited. He is a sit for this week.
Updated 5 days ago
