Cubs Activate Pedro Strop and Place Brandon Kintzler on Injured List

Just as one reliever comes off the injured list in Chicago, another one goes on it.

The Cubs have activated late-inning arm Pedro Strop and have placed Brandon Kintzler on the IL.

The loss of Kintzler is a tough blow for the Cubs' pen. He's been one of manager Joe Maddon's most reliable arms this year, posting a 2.33 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 49 appearances.

Fortunately, his absence is offset at least partially by the return of Strop. The 11-year MLB veteran struggled at the start of the year, which led to a bloated 5.20 ERA, but he's allowed a run in just two of his last seven appearances and has logged seven strikeouts in that span.

Injuries have also been a problem for Strop this year, which has to contribute to his struggles. Assuming he can return to form, he's a vital part of what has otherwise been a problematic bullpen.

With the Cardinals and Brewers both lurking behind them in the NL Central, the Cubs need every ounce of effort and then some out of the bullpen if they want to hold on to win their third division crown in four years.