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.

Javier Assad thinks he can help the Chicago Cubs in the last part of the season. So does manager Craig Counsell.

It’s officially trade season in the MLB! We only have a few more days until thetrade deadline, and we should expect to see many deals made. The Chicago Cubsare likely going to be one of the most aggressive teams,