Cubs Get Tremendous News on Progress of Craig Kimbrel, Steve Cishek and Brandon Kintzler

It's no secret that the Chicago Cubs need more consistency out of their starting rotation and more specifically their bullpen. Joe Maddon's offense has held up their end of the bargain all season long, but, more often than not, his pitching has let him down.

Well, in terms of the Cubbies erratic pen, help is reportedly on the way. Craig Kimbrel rejoined the club in Philadelphia and is feeling good after throwing his first bullpen on Thursday since going on the shelf with right knee inflammation 10 days ago.

Elsewhere, Steve Cishek (hip inflammation) also threw a bullpen session and avoided any issues. Both right-handers, according to general manager Jed Hoyer, are expected to return to big league action when Chicago returns home next Tuesday versus San Francisco.

More importantly, however, Hoyer claims that setup man Brandon Kintzler will be activated Friday for the Cubs' weekend series against the Pirates. The former All-Star has been lights out in 2019, recording a 2.33 ERA and 40 strikeouts across 49 appearances.

"We're glad we put him on the DL," said the GM. "He probably would've missed roughly half the DL stint and we would've had to pitch short-handed. But he recovered pretty quickly from that pec strain, and he feels good."

Get ready, Wrigley Field devotees. Once your bullpen returns to full strength in a few days time, there will be no more excuses for your club to continue underwhelming.