The Chicago Cubs have made some significant roster adjustments, as reported by Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. In a move aimed at bolstering their pitching staff, the Cubs signed right-hander Vinny Nittoli. However, this signing came at the cost of fellow righty Javier Assad, who has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm extensor strain. Additionally, right-hander Yency Almonte has been transferred to the 60-day injured list to accommodate Nittoli on the 40-man roster.

Assad's move to the injured list is retroactive to June 24, as confirmed by Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times. The severity of his injury and the expected duration of his absence remain unclear at this time. This comes as a blow for the Cubs, as Assad has been a consistent presence in the rotation this season, making 16 starts and allowing an average of 3.04 earned runs per nine innings. However, statistical analysis suggests that Assad may have benefited from some good luck, with an 83.3% strand rate and a .276 batting average on balls in play, numbers that are considered favorable. Metrics like his 4.16 FIP and 4.22 SIERA indicate that sustaining his run prevention performance could prove challenging.

Unfortunately, the Cubs have been plagued by injuries to their pitching staff recently. Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks were both placed on the injured list, forcing the struggling Kyle Hendricks back into a rotation role after being relegated to the bullpen earlier in the season. The bullpen has also been hampered by injuries, with Almonte, Adbert Alzolay, Julian Merryweather, and Mark Leiter Jr. all unable to contribute.

Amidst the mounting injuries, the Cubs' performance in the standings has suffered. Having started the season with a promising record of 18-12 in April, they have struggled since, going 19-32 and currently holding a 37-44 record. While they are still just five games back from a playoff spot in the National League Wild Card standings, they are currently among the weakest teams in the NL, trailing only the Marlins and Rockies. With the trade deadline approaching in just over a month, losing a valuable rotation member like Assad for any length of time could further compromise their playoff aspirations.

The Cubs now face the challenge of constructing a rotation without Assad. Currently, the rotation consists of Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga. However, they will need to find a fifth starter soon, especially with the upcoming schedule becoming more demanding. Prior to the All-Star break, the Cubs have a grueling stretch of seven games in six days, including a double-header against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 13.

In the absence of Assad, the Cubs may consider options like Hayden Wesneski, who made a spot start recently, or potentially utilize Drew Smyly, who has experience as a starter but has mainly served in a relief role this year. Top pitching prospect Cade Horton is currently unavailable due to a subscapularis strain, while Thomas Pannone, Dan Straily, and Kyle McGowin, who are on minor league deals and stretched out in the minors, could be potential replacements in the future.

Regarding Yency Almonte, he has been on the injured list since May 8 due to a shoulder strain. With his transfer to the 60-day injured list, he will not be eligible for reinstatement until July 7. Cubs manager Craig Counsell recently disclosed that Almonte's recovery had hit a roadblock, prompting the need for a second opinion and a potential reevaluation of his rehabilitation approach.

As the Cubs navigate these roster adjustments, they will be looking to turn their season around and overcome the challenges brought on by injuries. With the trade deadline looming, the need to address pitching depth becomes increasingly critical for their playoff aspirations.