Javier Assad hasn’t pitched for the Chicago Cubs this season because of a left oblique strain. He is nearing a return and will make rehab start Wednesday for Triple-A Iowa.

Veteran right-hander Javier Assad, 27, is slated to make a rehabilitation start for Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, as he continues his lengthy journey back to the Chicago Cubs after suffering a left oblique injury during spring training in Arizona.

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After a 12-5 win on Friday, the White Sox entered the Game 2 of the Crosstown Series ranked first or second in MLB in runs scored (61), runs per game (8.7), run differential (plus-33), slugging percentage (.544), OPS (.909), hits (80), batting average (.307), on-base percentage (.365) and doubles (23).

The Chicago Cubs (60-42) visit the South Side of Chicago to face the Chicago White Sox (37-66) Friday in the first game of a 3-game interleague series. First pitch from Rate Field is at 7:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Cubs vs. White Sox odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.