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  6. article_body => "<p>If all goes according to plan, Cubs fans will get to see Craig Kimbrel pitch out of the big-league bullpen sometime in the next week.<\/p>\n<p>But whether that's during the current homestand or on the ensuing road trip still has yet to be determined.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The veteran closer threw another scoreless outing Friday night with Triple-A Iowa and felt good Saturday morning, so is on track to throw again \u2014 his first back-to-back outings since Games 3 and 4 of the World Series last October.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Cubs aren't ruling out the possibility that Kimbrel makes his debut with the team before the homestand concludes Thursday, but it still seems like the less likely option. The more realistic timeline would put the new Cubs closer joining the bullpen next weekend in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n<p>After Saturday, Kimbrel would have at least two days off (Sunday and Monday) and then&nbsp;throw again in the minors Tuesday. That would mean another day of rest Wednesday and a possible call-up before Thursday's series finale with the Braves, but that's just the perfect scenario. There are plenty of potential complications on that timeline from weather to Kimbrel needing more rest and recovery.<\/p>\n<p>Due to the inclement weather in the forecast in Iowa Saturday, it's also possible Kimbrel works the game as an opener instead of slotting him in one the latter innings. That would ensure he gets on a mound against live hitters on the all-important back-to-back test.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Cubs have been in constant communication with Kimbrel about how he's feeling and recovering from outings. The veteran has been throwing on his own all year while he was still a free agent&nbsp;and had multiple bullpen and live batting practice sessions with the Cubs before his first game action last Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>Still, there's no point in pushing him too hard right now when the Cubs want to ensure he's healthy and feeling fresh in September and October.<\/p>\n<p>\"He's doing really well,\" Joe Maddon said. \"He's coming through everything with flying colors. But it also illustrates, I think, why we needed to give him this much time still. After [Saturday], going forward in a couple days, see how he feels \u2014 that will be very indicative of what we can or cannot do or when.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\"I like the process we're going through with him. To not be so expedient, I think that's gonna benefit him in the long run.\"<\/p>\n"
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If all goes according to plan, Cubs fans will get to see Craig Kimbrel pitch out of the big-league bullpen sometime in the next week.

But whether that's during the current homestand or on the ensuing road trip still has yet to be determined. 

The veteran closer threw another scoreless outing Friday night with Triple-A Iowa and felt good Saturday morning, so is on track to throw again — his first back-to-back outings since Games 3 and 4 of the World Series last October. 

The Cubs aren't ruling out the possibility that Kimbrel makes his debut with the team before the homestand concludes Thursday, but it still seems like the less likely option. The more realistic timeline would put the new Cubs closer joining the bullpen next weekend in Cincinnati.

After Saturday, Kimbrel would have at least two days off (Sunday and Monday) and then throw again in the minors Tuesday. That would mean another day of rest Wednesday and a possible call-up before Thursday's series finale with the Braves, but that's just the perfect scenario. There are plenty of potential complications on that timeline from weather to Kimbrel needing more rest and recovery.

Due to the inclement weather in the forecast in Iowa Saturday, it's also possible Kimbrel works the game as an opener instead of slotting him in one the latter innings. That would ensure he gets on a mound against live hitters on the all-important back-to-back test. 

The Cubs have been in constant communication with Kimbrel about how he's feeling and recovering from outings. The veteran has been throwing on his own all year while he was still a free agent and had multiple bullpen and live batting practice sessions with the Cubs before his first game action last Tuesday.

 

Still, there's no point in pushing him too hard right now when the Cubs want to ensure he's healthy and feeling fresh in September and October.

"He's doing really well," Joe Maddon said. "He's coming through everything with flying colors. But it also illustrates, I think, why we needed to give him this much time still. After [Saturday], going forward in a couple days, see how he feels — that will be very indicative of what we can or cannot do or when. 

"I like the process we're going through with him. To not be so expedient, I think that's gonna benefit him in the long run."