The Chicago Cubs have activated closer Craig Kimbrel for their four-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN:

Kimbrel has not pitched since the beginning of this month, when he landed on the 10-day Injured List with right elbow inflammation. He also missed time in August due to a knee injury.

After signing with the Cubs at the beginning of June and making his debut with the team on June 27, Kimbrel has appeared in just 21 games. Although he has given the Cubs the kind of impact arm that they so desperately needed at the end of games, he has also shown signs of rust from a long layoff and not having gone through a full Spring Training.

Kimbrel entered free agency after winning the World Series with the Boston Red Sox last season. After reportedly looking for a contract with over $100 million in guaranteed money, Kimbrel's market shrunk significantly, in part because a compensatory draft pick was also attached to his name.

Eventually, Kimbrel reached an agreement with the Cubs for three years and $43 million. He has converted 13 of 15 save opportunities, but his 12.3 K/9 is the lowest of his career while his 5.2 BB/9 is his highest ratio since his rookie season with the Atlanta Braves.

The 31-year-old has already given up six homers in 19 innings, which is just one shy of his career-high seven dingers allowed last season.

Still, Kimbrel's return could allow Joe Maddon to use the likes of Rowan Wick and Tyler Chatwood in high-leverage situations in the middle innings. Chicago's bullpen has been somewhat banged up, but Kimbrel and Brandon Kintzler are getting healthy for the stretch run.