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OK, some actual progress for Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel, who’s been sidelined since Sept. 1, with an elbow issue. He threw a few bullpen sessions last week, but on Tuesday he pitched a simulated game at Wrigley Field, throwing 16 pitches to Robel Garcia.
Here’s Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy discussing Kimbrel’s simulated inning.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Kimbrel is on schedule to be activated from the injured list sometime this weekend, when the Cubs host the Cardinals in a four-game series beginning Thursday.
They still have to see how Kimbrel’s arm responds on Wednesday, but the team feels pretty good about his return. And a quick update on Brandon Kintzler, he’s still not ready to come back after suffering a mild injury to his oblique.
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Finally, Javier Báez will be re-evaluated later this week, as he’s recovering from a hairline fracture in his left thumb.
The Cubs begin Tuesday two games behind the Cardinals in the division and one game ahead of the Brewers for the second Wild Card spot. During the Cubs’ five-game winning streak, they’ve gained ground on the Nationals, trailing them by only 0.5 game for the top Wild Card spot.
The Cardinals and Nationals play against each other two more times this week.
