Closer Craig Kimbrel looks ready to join the Cubs’ bullpen by Thursday’s series finale against the Braves or Friday’s series opener in Cincinnati.
The seven-time All-Star struck out two in a 1-2-3 ninth inning at Class AAA Iowa on Tuesday night in what was expected to be his final appearance during what has been a spring-like preparation since signing a free agent contract three weeks ago.
“He threw well,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said after getting reports of the 16-pitch outing Tuesday night. “We’ll discuss that, see how he comes out of it and then we’ll talk to him and make our decisions.