As the Cubs figure out the innings puzzle for the last five weeks of the regular season, right-hander Javier Assad is expected to play an important role. But the team optioned him Saturday to Triple-A Iowa after his best start of the season and recalled left-hander Jordan Wicks.

Chicago Cubs star Kyle Tucker went over a month without a home run before he finally ended his drought Friday night against the Los Angeles Angels. Tucker then hit two more bombs in Saturday’s 12-1 victory, giving the Cubs and their fans hope that his baffling slump is officially over.

After being benched against the Brewers, Tucker has rediscovered his ability to hunt certain pitches and launch those balls into the seats.