Assad (1-0) picked up the win in Tuesday's 12-2 rout of the Rockies, allowing four hits and a walk over six scoreless innings. He struck out five.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Assad will begin the season in the rotation, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Assad is likely to secure an Opening Day bullpen role in Chicago with Jordan Wicks serving as the No. 5 starter, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Assad tossed two scoreless innings in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Angels. He allowed one hit and struck out two.

Assad is likely competing with Hayden Wesneski, Drew Smyly and Jordan Wicks for the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation to begin the season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Assad (5-3) earned the win in Saturday's 6-3 victory over Colorado, allowing two hits and a hit batsman over four scoreless innings. He struck out six without issuing any walks.

Cubs manager David Ross said Saturday that Assad will pitch out of the bullpen going forward, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Assad (4-3) picked up the win in Tuesday's 14-1 rout of the Pirates, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out eight.

Assad did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing seven hits and one walk over eight scoreless innings in a 2-1 loss to the Reds. He struck out seven.

Assad (3-2) earned the win Sunday, allowing a run on three hits and two walks over seven innings against the Pirates. He struck out seven.