Javier Assad, RHP vs. Kyle Leahy, RHP
Javier Assad last pitched eight days ago against the Reds, a four-inning outing in which he threw 74 pitches.
If the Cubs want him available at all during the Wild Card Series, Assad probably won’t throw more than two innings today. At least that’s the way I see it. He has not faced the Cardinals this year.
The Cardinals are going with a bullpen game today, started by right-hander Kyle Leahy, who has not thrown more than 49 pitches in a game this year, and that was two months ago. This is Leahy’s first-ever MLB start, and as with Assad I wouldn’t expect him to go more than two innings.
In three relief outings vs. the Cubs this year, Leahy has a 4.91 ERA in 3.2 innings, with only one strikeout and two wild pitches.
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The 2025 Game Thread procedure will be identical to last year’s.
You’ll find the game preview posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game, including the First Pitch Thread and the overflow thread, as well as the recap when it’s published. The recap will also live on the front page as a separate post.
You will also be able to find the preview, First Pitch Thread and the overflow thread in the box marked “Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page (you can also find them in this section link). The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
The First Pitch thread will post at five minutes before game time, then an overflow thread at 90 minutes after the scheduled game time.
Discuss amongst yourselves.