Morrow (elbow) doesn't appear to have a closer role to return to once he gets healthy after Craig Kimbrel officially joined the Cubs on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

A healthy Morrow would close for most teams, as he owns a 2.04 ERA over his last four seasons. Kimbrel is one of just a handful of relievers that is clearly on another level, and he's unlikely to be forced to fight for a ninth-inning role due to his 333 career saves. Morrow remains not particularly close to a return to action, however, so he won't be appearing in any games any time soon.

Morrow (elbow) is throwing from 90 feet, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morrow continues to slowly work his way back from an elbow injury that has kept him on the shelf all season. The oft-injured reliever remains without a timetable for his return. With the Cubs reportedly showing interest in Craig Kimbrel, Morrow may not be guaranteed the closer role upon his return.

Morrow (elbow) played catch from 45-to-60 feet Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morrow has managed to resume a throwing program after suffering a setback in mid-April. He remains without a concrete timeline for a return, though it's a positive sign that he's once again moving in the right direction.

Morrow (elbow) will be evaluated later this week and could resume throwing at that point, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's difficult to feel particularly optimistic about the oft-injured closer, who suffered a setback in mid-April when he appeared to be close to starting a rehab assignment. His return timeline could become clearer following the evaluation.

Morrow (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Thursday, Bruce Miles of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

This move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Addison Russell, who was reinstated from suspension and optioned to Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move. Morrow is still weeks away from resuming a throwing program after receiving an injection of synthetic lubricant earlier in the week.

Morrow (elbow) will remain shut down from throwing for two weeks after receiving an injection of synthetic lubricant Monday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morrow has been shut down since April 20 as he experienced renewed discomfort in his right elbow during a throwing session. The 34-year-old remains without a timetable for his return, and will require significant rehab work once he's able to restart his throwing program.

Morrow (elbow) could resume throwing in a few weeks, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morrow was shut down from throwing over the weekend after experiencing discomfort during a side session. While the right-hander is still being evaluated, it sounds like he's at least multiple weeks away from picking back up a throwing program, leaving his return date up in the air. Pedro Strop should continue to fill in as Chicago's closer while Morrow is on the mend.

Manager Joe Maddon said Saturday that the Cubs will "slow things down" with Morrow (elbow) after he experienced discomfort during a recent side session, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

There had been some optimism that Morrow might be back from the 10-day injured list in early May, but the setback probably takes that off the table. The right-hander is now without a concrete timeline for a return from offseason elbow surgery, which could prompt the Cubs to explore the market for other late-inning reinforcements. Even if Morrow's shutdown period remains brief, there's no guarantee he'll reclaim the closer role he held last season once he returns. That might make it tough to justify stashing him in fantasy leagues with limited bench or IL spots.

Morrow (elbow) is throwing in live batting practice sessions at extended spring training in Arizona, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was reported earlier this month that Morrow was one bullpen session away from being cleared to face live hitters, and he apparently had no issues with his final bullpen. The 34-year-old could be ticketed for a minor-league rehab assignment in the near future if his current progression continues after undergoing elbow surgery in November.

Morrow (elbow) is scheduled to throw one more bullpen before being cleared to face live hitters, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morrow is reportedly progressing on schedule in his recovery from November elbow surgery. If he continues to progress without any setbacks, the right-hander could begin a minor-league rehab assignment in mid-April, which would put him on track to make his 2019 debut sometime in May.