Chicago Cubs could turn to Kimbrel on Thursday, if necessary
The Chicago Cubs will call up closer Craig Kimbrel from Class AAA Iowa in time for Thursday afternoon's series finale against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field.
After Wednesday night's 5-3 loss to the Braves, manager Joe Maddon said the Cubs would activate Kimbrel and option reliever Tony Barnette to Iowa.
Kimbrel was on his way to Chicago on Wednesday afternoon after pitching 1 inning and striking out two for Iowa on Tuesday night.
"Yes, I can't be disingenuous," Maddon said before the game. "It's getting close. We'll wrap it all up and give you everything soon, but he's on his way right now."
The Cubs signed Kimbrel to a free-agent deal June 7. Because he had not pitched since last year's World Series with Boston, the Cubs sent him to Arizona for a condensed "spring training" and then to Iowa on an option assignment.
In 4 games for the I-Cubs, Kimbrel had an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 0.82.
Injuries detailed:
An attorney for the family of a 2-year-old girl struck by a foul ball during a game last month between the Cubs and Houston Astros says the girl suffered a skull fracture.
Attorney Richard Mithoff on Wednesday provided the first update by the girl's family on her condition since she was hit during the May 29 game in Houston. The ball came off the bat of the Cubs' Albert Almora Jr.
Mithoff says the girl had bleeding and swelling in her brain as well as a brain contusion after she was hit. He says she had a seizure after she was hospitalized and is taking medication to prevent more seizures.
While several teams have said they'll extend protective netting after various incidents of fans getting hit by foul balls, the Astros say they will continue studying the issue.
Almora did not wish to comment further on the story.
Joe Maddon said: "I don't know enough about it except that we hope that this little girl gets well quickly. It was a horrible moment. We all felt it, and I know Albert still does feel it. We just want to wish her the best and her family the best."
All-star status:
Starters for the July 9 All-Star Game at Cleveland will be announced Thursday evening after online fan voting is tabulated.
Joe Maddon said he is all for his players participating because the Cubs don't have to play a game until Friday, July 12. Last year, the Cubs had a game on the Thursday after the All-Star Game.
"I'm not concerned," Maddon said. "I wish them well. I hope our guys get a chance to go. It's a great opportunity. It's quite an honor to be included. So I have no issues with that whatsoever."
The Cubs have seven all-star finalists: Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Willson Contreras, Albert Almora Jr. Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward.
• Associated Press contributed to this report.