Javier Assad’s oblique injury will keep him from traveling with the Cubs to Japan.

It will also mean he starts the season on the injured list, despite progressing from a left oblique strain.

Assad threw his first bullpen session since the injury over the weekend. He recovered well and will continue his ramp up process.

But that process means he won’t be ready for Japan or when the team returns to open the season against the Diamondbacks at the end of the month. Assad’s next steps will be live batting practice sessions followed by game action. If all goes to plan, he’ll need several outings to be stretched out as a starter.

“I think Javi’s on a good track,” manager Craig Counsell told reporters on Monday morning at the team’s facilities in Mesa, Ariz. “He’s gonna start the year on the injured list. Got significant ramp up to go, but all signs are good.”

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Kevin Alcántara

One of the Cubs’ top prospects, Kevin Alcántara is still in camp and could make the final 31-man roster that leaves for Japan on Tuesday — despite an injury scare on Sunday.

Alcántara was checked out after a swing on Sunday against the Giants, finished the at-bat and then was pulled.

“He felt a little shoulder pain on the swing,” Counsell said. “Then gave it 15 seconds and he was fine, essentially.”

The Cubs manager equated it to the situation Pete Crow-Armstrong went through last week. Crow-Armstrong felt some tightness in his hamstring and was scratched from his start.

It’s spring, when in doubt, the cubs are going to play it safe.

“He’s in the lineup [on Monday],” Counsell said. “Showed up today feeling perfect. I was using a lot of caution there. He’ll get through today and don’t anticipate any issues.”