Theo Epstein spoke on 670 The Score today, and among other things, updated the status of two of the Cubs’ key relievers who are currently on the shelf, Craig Kimbrel and Brandon Kintzler.
Craig Kimbrel (knee) and Brandon Kintzler (pec) are both feeling good, Theo Epstein says. The expectation is they'll be on the injured list for minimum stint or real close to it.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) August 8, 2019
Kimbrel is on the IL as of August 4, and Kintzler is on the IL as of August 6, so a minimum stint for Kimbrel would have him back on the 14th against the Phillies, and a minimum stint for Kintzler would have him back on the 16th for the weekend series in Pittsburgh.
Neither pitcher’s injury was expected to be serious in the first instance, but still, it’s nice to get comforting updates throughout the process.
In the meantime, guys like Steve Cishek and Rowan Wick and Pedro Strop and Kyle Ryan will have to help fill up those late inning opportunities, and hey, who knows, maybe Duane Underwood, too.