Cubs trade Craig Kimbrel to White Sox

Craig Kimbrel and Ryan Tepera were a tandem in the Cubs bullpen earlier this year, helping the Cubs stay near first place until mid-June when the wheels fell off.

Now, they’re reunited on the South Side:

Kimbrel had a tough first year in a Cubs uniform but he has been lights-out this year, having one of the great relief seasons in history: 39 appearances, 0.49 ERA, 0.709 WHIP, 23 saves in 25 opportunities, 137 batters faced, 64 strikeouts.

Of course, this means the Cubs will likely face him several times next month, as the Cubs and Sox have two series then: August 6-7-8 at Wrigley Field and August 27-28-29 on the South Side.

At this writing we do not know the return from the Sox for Kimbrel. When it’s available this article will be updated.

Thanks for a great two-thirds of a season on the North Side, Craig, and good luck with the Sox.

UPDATE — Here’s the return, which is outstanding. Jed Hoyer did a fantastic job here.