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.

Closing in on Thursday’s deadline, this is what we’re hearing, based on information from league sources: • The Cubs are very interested in MacKenzie Gore, a top-of-the-rotation arm under team control through 2027.

The Chicago Cubs need to add a starting pitcher. They could look to buy low on a former Cy Young candidate from the Arizona Diamondbacks.