SAN FRANCISCO – Javier Assad has built a reputation as a pitcher who will take on whatever role the Cubs have to offer. He has had to fight for a spot in the rotation or accept a role in the bullpen, while being ready to step in at a moment’s notice if things go awry in either part of the pitching staff. Look no further than what Assad has done this week. On Friday night, Assad quieted the Giants for six shutout innings, leading the Cubs to a 5-1 victory at Oracle Park. The right-hander did so after being named a replacement starter for veteran lefty Matthew Boyd, who was in the plans to come off the 15-day injured list for this series before some mild shoulder soreness flared up a few days ago. “Javy keeps telling you, ‘I’ll be ready when I get my opportunity,’” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “That’s what it takes.” Assad’s effort came one outing after he spun 6 1/3 scoreless innings – also against the Giants – in an emergency relief appearance on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Jameson Taillon injured his left hamstring in that game, pressing Assad into duty. The righty gave the Cubs what Counsell called a “heroic” performance that night. In his latest showing for Chicago, the 28-year-old Assad had his signature two-seamer running sharply against San Francisco’s order. The pitcher racked up five strikeouts while using the Cubs’ stellar defense to his advantage. Assad generated nine outs via ground ball, including an inning-ending double play in the fifth. That twin killing in the fifth featured a highlight-reel grab-and-throw by first baseman Michael Busch, who hustled back to the bag to complete the job. Busch also had a swipe tag that nicked the helmet of Luis Arraez just in time for a key out in the sixth. Nico Hoerner had an impressive sliding snag to start a groundout against Jung Hoo Lee in the fourth. “He pitched great,” Counsell said. “In the strike zone. Controlled counts. Ball on the ground. A real boost. We’ve talked about guys getting opportunities, and certainly Javy in a time that we really need it has delivered a couple big starts. Big, big performances.” The skill with which Assad can use his sinker was on full display against Rafael Devers in the fourth inning. The righty sent the pitch at the lefty-swinging Devers, who froze as the ball zipped into the zone for a called third strike. “That’s the pitch for Javy. And it changes everything,” Counsell said. “It’s just in the hitter’s head on every pitch and it kind of changes their aggressivene
