Cubs put RHP Kintzler on IL, bring back Strop

Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Brandon Kintzler was placed on the 10-day injured list because of right pectoral inflammation, the team announced Tuesday.

To replace Kintzler, right-hander Pedro Strop was activated off the IL and was available to pitch Tuesday in the Cubs' home game against the Oakland Athletics. Strop had been out since July 27 due to a neck ailment.

"I don't think there's anything spectacularly wrong with (Kintzler), but it's there," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday, according to ESPN. "The guy has been a rock for us. We want him to continue to be a rock for us. Why push it right now and find out we're wrong? It's a conservative route."

Kintzler, 35, is 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings over 49 appearances this season. He has spent the past 1 1/2 seasons of his 10-year big-league career with the Cubs.

He also has played for the Milwaukee Brewers (2010-15), Minnesota Twins (2016-17) and Washington Nationals (2017-18), compiling a career record of 19-18 with 48 saves and a 3.35 ERA. He was an All-Star in 2017.

Strop, who is 2-4 with a 5.20 ERA in 32 relief appearances this season, is tied with Craig Kimbrel for the team lead with nine saves. Kimbrel is on the IL due to right knee inflammation. Strop, in his 11th season in the majors, landed on the IL earlier this season with a strained left hamstring.

--Field Level Media