Cubs roster move: Craig Kimbrel activated from injured list, Duane Underwood Jr. to Iowa

Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel was placed on the injured list 13 days ago (retroactive to August 4) with a minor issue with his right knee.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that this could have cost the Cubs two games, the games last week in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh where they entered the ninth inning with leads.

Thus this is very good news:

Kimbrel’s overall numbers — 5.68 ERA, 1.658 WHIP — don’t look all that good. Nevertheless, he has nine saves in 11 chances and all eight of the runs he’s allowed have come in three out of his 14 total appearances. It’s good to have him back.

Duane Underwood Jr. has made three appearances for the Cubs since being recalled when Kimbrel went on the IL. One of them was outstanding, when he struck out all six Athletics hitters he faced August 6 at Wrigley Field, throwing consistently at 95+. He’ll certainly be back in September and has put himself in the mix for the 2020 bullpen.

As noted above, the Cubs have recalled Mark Zagunis to be the 26th man for tonight’s game (it was required that this addition be a position player). Here is the Pirates’ 26th man for tonight: