When the Cubs signed Craig Kimbrel, they knew it would take him a couple weeks to get into game shape. Even though he had maintained his workouts ($) while waiting to get a deal, having to face actual hitters in a competitive environment is an adjustment and it’s not something the team wants to rush. So he’s working up to speed and recently threw a 24-pitch bullpen session, and the Cubs’ “rough draft” could still have him in Chicago by the end of June.
Kimbrel will clearly help to solidify a bullpen that has been without a true closer this season, but his activation will come at the expense of a current reliever.