ST. LOUIS _ The Cubs bullpen will be getting a shot in the arm soon. Perhaps two?
Reliever Pedro Strop, out since early may with a left hamstring injury, will make one more minor league rehab appearance for Triple-A Iowa on Sunday before rejoining the Cubs on their next homestand, which begins Monday.
"With everything, including good health, I'd imagine he'd be back with us after that," Maddon said of Strop, who is recovering from a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring suffered May 6. "We're being true to him and biology as to how long it's supposed to take for him to come back from that injury.
"He felt well, but it's wise to not push it."
Strop, 33, who has a history of hamstring injuries, has allowed only one hit in two appearances covering 13 pitches with Iowa. But the Cubs want to ensure the right-hander's health as he's destined to resume the closer duties. Maybe.
The Athletic on Saturday reported that the Cubs have interest in free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel, a seven-time All-Star. Citing sources, the report said the Cubs may have the financial resources available from money saved while veteran Ben Zobrist is on the restricted list.
If Zobrist remains out for the rest of the season, the savings could be $9.3 million, or about half of what Kimbrel might be seeking annually. A major issue, however, would be the length of a potential deal.
Major league teams could wait until the amateur draft ends Wednesday so they don't lose a draft pick.
