PITTSBURGH — The Cubs started rookie right-hander Javier Assad on Friday against the Pirates. Behind him at second base was Esteban Quiroz, who made his major-league debut last week. At shortstop was Zach McKinstry, who has seized an every-day role with the Cubs after being stuck on the Dodgers’ bench for much of the first half of the season.
The list goes on. Jared Young, who served as the designated hitter, also made his big-league debut a week ago. Rookies Christopher Morel and Nelson Velazquez entered the game in later innings, and rookie Erich Uelmen came in to close the game.
