Cubs place RHP Javier Assad (forearm) on 15-day IL

(Photo credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports)

The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Javier Assad on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right forearm strain.

To replace Assad on the active roster, the Cubs signed free agent Vinny Nittoli and transferred fellow right-hander Yency Almonte (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list to open a spot on the 40-man roster.

Assad, 26, is 4-3 with a 3.04 ERA in 16 starts for the