Javier Assad hasn’t pitched for the Chicago Cubs this season because of a left oblique strain. He is nearing a return and will make rehab start Wednesday for Triple-A Iowa.

Veteran right-hander Javier Assad, 27, is slated to make a rehabilitation start for Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, as he continues his lengthy journey back to the Chicago Cubs after suffering a left oblique injury during spring training in Arizona.

Chris Flexen gave up a home run to Mike Tauchman as the Northsiders dropped a Friday contest to their Chicago counterparts.

This round of the City Series arrives as the July 31 trade deadline nears. The Cubs are in a position to buy while the White Sox will be looking to sell.

The Chicago Cubs (60-42) visit the South Side of Chicago to face the Chicago White Sox (37-66) Friday in the first game of a 3-game interleague series. First pitch from Rate Field is at 7:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Cubs vs. White Sox odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 26, according to the Tribune’s archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service,

Shota Imanaga against the White Sox tonight: 3.0 IP | 12 H | 7 ER | 2 K pic.twitter.com/ew6ewAJssm

Assad and Taillon, who is scheduled to throw live batting practice in Milwaukee this week before starting his minor-league rehab assignment, are on track to return sometime around mid-August. And the Cubs are exploring trade options to add outside pitching before the deadline Thursday.

The Chicago Cubs are in a tie for first place in the National League Central, and that is in no small part thanks to former Maryland third baseman Matt Shaw. Th