Following Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Braves, Joe Maddon said closer Craig Kimbrel will join the bullpen Thursday and will be available to pitch in the series finale.
To make room for Kimbrel on the 25-man roster, right-hander Tony Barnette will be sent back to Triple-A.
Kimbrel threw 3.2 innings in four relief appearances with the Iowa Cubs during the past week. He struck out four, walked one, gave up two hits and one run coming on a home run.
The Cubs closer pitched a perfect ninth inning at Triple-A Tuesday night, striking out the last two batters he faced.
Barnette, who the Cubs signed in the offseason, was called up Sunday. His season started late after a nagging shoulder injury. He pitched a scoreless inning on Wednesday after making his Cubs debut Monday, when he gave up a run in 1/3 of an inning.
So, Kimbrel will join the Cubs three weeks after his deal was first reported.
UPDATE
The Cubs make it official.
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