Kintzler (1-0) earned the win Saturday against the Cardinals, pitching a scoreless inning of relief with two strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Chicago starter Yu Darvish was ineffective, but the Cubs rallied to tie the game at 5-5. Kintzler kept it 5-5 with his work in the top of the eighth inning, then grabbed the win when Chicago scored again in the bottom of the frame. The 34-year-old righty has been good for the Cubs this year with a 2.45 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 13 strikeouts through 14.2 innings.

Kintzler allowed three runs on four hits in an inning of work during Friday's 13-10 loss to the Brewers. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Kintzler was the fifth Chicago pitcher of the game and he allowed Milwaukee to extend it's lead to 13-5 on a three-run home run by Eric Thames. The righty now has a 7.36 ERA through four appearances this season, which comes on the heels of a disappointing 4.60 ERA in 2018.

Kintzler could work in high-leverage spots while relievers such as Brandon Morrow (elbow) and Pedro Strop (hamstring) are out, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Strop expects to be back by Opening Day, and if that happens, he is expected to be the fill-in closer for Morrow until sometime in May. However, a lengthier absence from Strop would force the Cubs to dig deeper into their bullpen for a closer. Kintzler is noted as a possibility, and the 34-year-old does have 48 career saves, but he's likely a bit behind the likes of Steve Cishek and Carl Edwards at the moment, especially because Kintzler posted an unsightly 7.00 ERA in 18 innings with Chicago last season. Still, Kintzler could at least get some holds with Morrow and Strop out.

Kintzler elected to exercise his $5 million play option to remain with the Cubs in 2019, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Kintzler will not hit the open market following a shaky 2018 campaign that saw him log a 4.60 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 60.2 innings split between Chicago and Washington. Prior to his decision, the Cubs unsurprisingly turned down their $10 million team option on Kintzler.

Kintzler (1-3) allowed a walkoff home run to take the loss in Sunday's 2-1, 11-inning contest against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Kintzler started the bottom of the 11th inning with two quick outs, but he left a 3-0 sinker out over the plate and Adam Frazier made him pay. Kintzler now has a 3.70 ERA, and he should continue to see high-leverage work for the Cubs despite the hiccup.

Kintzler pitched a scoreless eighth inning in Monday's win over the Royals to record a hold, and he now has three holds in four appearances with the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Kintzler's first appearance with his new team on Aug. 1 came in the sixth inning, but since then he's pitched exclusively in the eighth inning and has recorded a hold in each outing. The Cubs already had the likes of Carl Edwards and Steve Cishek on the roster, but they clearly view Kintzler as high-leverage arm. He might slot down a rung when Brandon Morrow (biceps) is able to return from the disabled list, but Kintzler figures to have a key role the rest of the way regardless.

Kintzler was traded from the Nationals to the Cubs on Tuesday for an undisclosed package, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kintzler, who turns 34 on Wednesday, has a 3.59 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 42.2 innings this year for the Nationals. Despite his experience as a closer in 2016 and 2017, it seems likely that he will be used in low-to-mid-leverage situations with the Cubs. His contract carries a $10 million team option and a $5 million player option for 2019.

Kintzler (forearm) was activated from the disabled list Monday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kintzler is ready to get back at it after missing just over two weeks with his forearm injury. Kintzler's ratios this season aren't great by any means, but since giving up seven earned runs in his second through fourth appearances of the year, he does own a 2.59 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 24.1 innings over 27 outings.

Kintzler (forearm) will pitch for High-A Potomac on Sunday during a brief rehab assignment, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kintzler realized that he would require a minor-league outing when he was fatigued during Friday's bullpen session. If all goes according to plan Sunday, Kintzler will travel with the team to Tampa Bay on Monday, where it's expected he will return from the disabled list.

Kintzler (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kintzler, who threw an all-fastball bullpen earlier in the week, is expected to incorporate all of his pitches in Friday's session. According to Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports, the right-handed reliever believes he'll be ready to return from the disabled list if he experiences no issues Friday. That said, the Nationals may opt to play it safe and send Kintzler on a brief minor-league rehab assignment before activating him.