Kimbrel was shut down and won't pitch in Sunday's season finale at St. Louis, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old was also unavailable Saturday, but that news wasn't officially revealed until the ninth inning of the television broadcast as Brandon Kintzler entered -- and converted -- the save opportunity. Kimbrel signed a three-year deal with the Cubs in June, but he struggled during his first season in the Windy City with a 6.53 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 30:12 K:BB and career-high nine home runs allowed in only 20.2 innings.

Kimbrel (0-4) allowed two runs on two hits (two homers) with one walk and two strikeouts to blow his third save in a 9-8 loss to the Cardinals on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel came in to protect an 8-7 lead and after two pitches the Cubs trailed 9-8. First Yadier Molina homered to left center and on the next pitch Paul DeJong crushed a ball 440 feet to center field to put the Cardinals in front. In the two games since his activation on Sept. 19 he has allowed three homers and accumulated two losses. For the season Kimbrel is 13-for-16 in save chances with a 6.53 ERA, a 1.60 WHIP and 30 strikeouts in 20.2 innings.

Kimbrel (0-3) took the loss Thursday against the Cubs, striking out two but allowing a solo homer in two-thirds of an inning.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel returned from an elbow injury Thursday but failed to get the job done in his first game back. He entered a tie game in the top of the 10th inning and struck out the first batter before giving up a solo shot to Matt Carpenter. The veteran closer has struggled in 19.2 innings for the Cubs this season, recording a 5.95 ERA and allowing seven homers, tied for his career high despite the very low innings total. He won't be available Friday as he won't be asked to pitch on back-to-back days immediately after returning from the injured list, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Kimbrel (elbow) has been activated from the injured list, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel made it through a pregame workout Thursday without issue, so the Cubs decided he was ready to rejoin the roster. Kimbrel allowed three earned runs in his last appearance and owns a 5.68 ERA since joining the Cubs in June, but expect him to get the ball if a save opportunity presents itself Thursday night.

Manager Joe Maddon said there is a "strong possibility" Kimbrel (elbow) will be activated for Thursday's series opener against the Cardinals, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

This lines up with a report from earlier in the day that Kimbrel would likely be back for one of the first two games of this pivotal series. He has been shaky at times and it seems like he may be getting rushed back, but he is the Cubs' clear closer when active.

Kimbrel (elbow) could come off the 10-day injured list Thursday or Friday against the Cardinals, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He threw a 16-pitch simulated game Tuesday, and it sounds like he is a day or two away from being ready to face big-league hitters. Kimbrel has only given up runs in five of his 21 appearances, but when he gives up runs he typically gives up a few, which is why his ERA is 5.68. If he does indeed come off the injured list early in this four-game series against the Cardinals, Kimbrel could notch another handful of saves before season's end.

Kimbrel (elbow) threw 16 pitches during Tuesday's simulated game at Wrigley Field, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel fired mostly fastballs, but he did mix in a few offspeed pitches, per Bastian. Following Tuesday's throwing session, skipper Joe Maddon stated that his veteran closer could be ready to return by the weekend, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com.

Kimbrel (elbow) will throw a simulated game Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Elbow inflammation has kept Kimbrel out since the start of September. He could be on track to return over the weekend if his simulated game goes well.

Kimbrel (elbow) had no issues while throwing a 20-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel could advance to facing hitters in a simulated game mid-week assuming no issues crop up in the next couple days. There's no official timetable for the 30-year-old's return from the 10-day injured list, but a simulated game could be one of the final steps leading up to his activation.

Kimbrel (elbow) is expected to throw another bullpen session Sunday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel completed a bullpen session Thursday and is tentatively scheduled to take the mound again Sunday, assuming he checks out OK over the next couple days. The 31-year-old appears to be nearing his return, but there remains no official timeline for him to come off the injured list.