The Cubs’ pitching staff soon could receive a boost, according to manager Craig Counsell.

Counsell provided updates on four Cubs players currently on the injured list, including pitcher Javier Assad, before Friday’s home opener against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field.

“Assad is throwing today,” Counsell said of the right-hander. “He’ll have a two-inning appearance in Arizona.”

Assad went on the 15-day IL in February after an MRI revealed an oblique strain. The 27-year-old was slated to be in the Cubs’ starting rotation, but the setback means he has yet to pitch this year.

“We’re progressing well,” Counsell added on Assad. “He’s on a starter’s prep plan essentially … probably a couple of appearances in Arizona before we move to the next step.”

Assad has been a very solid piece for the Cubs since his debut three years ago, posting a 3.40 ERA in 47 starts.

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Counsell was a bit quieter about relievers Ryan Brasier and Tyson Miller, whose recovery timelines are foggier. The Cubs placed both relievers on the 15-day IL with a left groin strain and a left hip impingement, respectively.

“We’re kind of status quo right now,” Counsell said of the two pitchers’ progress. “We’re probably not progressing as fast as we like, but nothing to know.”

The Cubs acquired Brasier from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Feb. 4 for future considerations. The 37-year-old veteran made his first appearance for Chicago in the MLB Tokyo Series against his former team, giving up two hits and an earned run during the Cubs’ 4-1 loss.

Miller was stellar for the Cubs last season after being traded from the Seattle Mariners, pitching to a 2.15 ERA in 50.1 innings of relief. His five spring training appearances this year did not go as smooth, though, as he gave up nine earned runs on 10 hits over 4.2 innings.

Utilityman Vidal Bruján, whom the Cubs acquired from the Miami Marlins in December for Matt Mervis, hasn’t had as much of a positive outlook.

“We’ve gotten a little stalled with that,” Counsell said of the 27-year-old, who is on the 10-day IL with a right elbow sprain. “Unfortunately, the symptoms were not decreasing. … We did an MRI, (there was) nothing substantial, but the contusion has caused some lingering symptoms from throwing.”

Bruján slashed .222./.293/.389 with eight hits, including one home run, in 41 spring training plate appearances this year.