With less than a month remaining for the Chicago Cubs to solidify their place in the NL playoff picture, the team is placing closer Craig Kimbrel on the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. In a corresponding move, David Bote was recalled from Triple-A.
An MRI came back clean on Kimbrel, according to general manager Theo Epstein.
It’s the second time Kimbrel has been placed on the IL since the Cubs signed him in June. He missed time in August due to right knee inflammation.
In 21 games and 19 innings pitched this season, Kimbrel is 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA and 13 saves.
The Cubs will get a boost offensively, as Kris Bryant and Javier Baez return to their lineup tonight as they enter a series in Milwaukee against the divisional rival Brewers.
Bryant, who hasn’t played since Monday due to a sore right knee, is batting third and playing third base. Baez will hit fifth in the order and play at shortstop. He’s been out since Sunday due to a jammed left thumb.
The two will have to contest with righty Chase Anderson, who takes the hill for the Brewers.