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.

The Chicago Cubs have several relief pitchers on their target list, ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Chicago wants some bullpen help.

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.

This round of the City Series arrives as the July 31 trade deadline nears. The Cubs are in a position to buy while the White Sox will be looking to sell.

Cubs Could Add Pete Crow-Armstrong Insurance, Per Chicago Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports. If past indications have shown anything, the Chicago Cubs could look to make a few depth moves during the trade deadline.

Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon threw 47 pitches during a bullpen session Friday at Wrigley Field, per the Cubs. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 4 with a right calf strain. Prior to his injury, Taillon had a 4.44 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP across 95.1 innings, including 10 quality starts.

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.

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 26, according to the Tribune’s archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service,