MIAMI — Javier Assad helped the Chicago Cubs secure a 6-5 victory over the Miami Marlins on Saturday at LoanDepot Park, navigating a challenging outing to keep his team in control. Despite issuing a season-high five walks over 4 2/3 innings, the right-hander limited the damage, allowing three runs on three hits. Reliever Ryan Zeferjahn then preserved the lead, throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings to notch his first save with the Cubs.
The win ensured Chicago would retain its hold on the National League’s first wild-card spot ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies as they aimed for a series sweep Sunday with Clay Holmes scheduled to start. Cubs manager David Ross and players noted Assad’s resilience despite occasional control issues.
“I tried to stay calm and work pitch by pitch,” Assad said through an interpreter. “It felt good to leave the game with the lead. The last thing I want to do is allow those walks, especially with the defense we have.”
Assad’s start marked his first in a month and saw some early struggles. After he exited, Caleb Thielbar gave up a two-run homer to Griffin Conine on the first batter he faced. Nonetheless, the Cubs offense provided enough support, highlighted by Michael Conforto’s solo home run in the third inning and Ian Happ’s two-run single in the same frame, which helped Chicago build a lead.
The Cubs initially faltered in scoring opportunities, including a first-inning chance that ended in a strikeout on a pitch-clock violation and a double play. Miami also made strong defensive plays, notably an outfield assist that stopped a runner attempting to stretch a single into a double.
The bullpen played a critical role in maintaining the lead late in the game. Left-hander Ryan Rolison entered in the seventh inning with two outs and stranded potential tying and go-ahead runs. Zeferjahn then took over in the eighth inning with a runner on second and struck out the side over the final innings to earn the save.
“We need him to be successful,” said Marlins manager Craig Counsell of Zeferjahn, praising his rebound from previous rough outings. “He showed us tonight what he’s capable of.”
Assad’s return bolstered the Cubs’ pitching staff flexibility. After the trade deadline additions of Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman, Assad’s role has become more variable. As one of the few pitchers on the roster with minor-league options remaining, Assad was recalled Saturday corresponding with reliever Tyler Ferguson being optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
“We’ve got a lot of confidence in Javier, no matter the situation,” said teammate Nico Hoerner. “He’s been great tonight and is a big part of this team.”
Saturday marked the earliest Assad could be recalled after his required 15-day stay at Triple-A. The move provided an extra day of rest for Chicago’s rotation, which manager Ross said is unlikely to require a six-starter approach again for the remainder of the regular season, especially with an upcoming off day on Thursday.
Assad has seen an increased workload compared to last season, pitching 113 innings this year between the minors and majors after limited action last year due to oblique strains. The Cubs have relied on his versatility as both a starter and long reliever to help stabilize the pitching staff amid injuries and roster changes.
“He’s gotten people out,” Ross said. “We’ve won games when he’s pitched, whether starting or coming out of the bullpen. That’s important.”