MESA, Ariz. — Javier Assad isn’t the first name that’s been popping up as the Cubs look to fill in their rotation ahead of Opening Day.

That doesn’t mean he isn’t an intriguing option for the team.

“He’s a true pitcher,” manager Craig Counsell said. “When I say that [it] kind of means [he’s] skilled at reading swings and adjusting pitch to pitch and making good choices within that space, which is hard to do and generally something assigned to experience.”

“At a young age, I think he does that really well.”

Assad could serve a multitude of roles for the Cubs. He’s thrived in both a long-relief role and as a starter last season, giving Counsell an X-factor in his pitching staff. Sunday, Assad allowed a run on 4 hits with 4 strikeouts in 3.2 innings against Texas.

“Stay focused,” Assad said after Sunday’s outing against the Rangers. “Stay focused on what I’m doing. Day by day just working on my mechanics, staying focused on my pitches, staying strong and staying ready for whatever the team needs.”

The Cubs are facing a scenario where they could carry four lefty starters in their rotation. They’re comfortable doing that, but Assad could give them a different look from the right side if they don’t want to stack up southpaws.

His ability to shift between roles is invaluable. Jameson Taillon is likely to begin the season on the 15-day IL as he works to build back up. If he does, Assad could fill in the rotation for him, then move to a long-relief option in the bullpen when Taillon returns.

“Just staying mentally ready,” Assad said. “Stay ready and focused for whatever situation you’ll need. Last year I had the chance to start, and I was ready for that and if they want me to pitch in relief, I’ll be ready, too. I think that’s the key.”

Injury updates

Taillon has begun throwing and is optimistic he can throw off a mound after Monday’s off day.

“We’ve made a lot of progress,” Taillon said Sunday morning. “It was kind of scary. I had a stiff back waking up that morning and I just went through my normal pregame routine. Long toss, was feeling great in the bullpen and then just on one pitch, felt something kinda tweak in there and — to anyone that’s had low back stuff, it really sucked for two or three days.

“Now we’re back to long tossing. Hopefully, get off the mound in the next couple of days and stuff.”

Patrick Wisdom hasn’t appeared in a game since Wednesday’s win over the Guardians in Goodyear. Counsell said the infielder has been dealing with some back discomfort and is expected to be back in Cactus League action on Tuesday.

Ian Happ played in his first Spring Training game since February 29, leading off and manning the DH spot against the Rangers. He was 1-for-3 with an RBI double in the Cubs’ 8-6 win.

Next Up

The Cubs enjoy an off day on Monday before hosting the Diamondbacks at Sloan Park at 8 p.m. on Marquee Sports Network. Kyle Hendricks will get the start for the Cubs.