Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel, who last pitched September 1, was placed on the injured list four days later, retroactive to September 2, with right elbow inflammation.
That’s never a good sign, but after a couple of bullpen sessions and a simulated game Tuesday, he’s being activated for Thursday’s game against the Cardinals:
Kimbrel has made 21 appearances for the Cubs and has 13 saves in 15 opportunities. At times he’s looked like the lights-out Kimbrel of old, with 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings. On the other hand, his walk rate is an unsightly 5.