President of baseball operations Theo Epstein acknowledged Saturday that Morrow (elbow) is unlikely to be ready to pitch when the 2019 season begins, 670 The Score Chicago reports. "If you asked [Morrow], he'd probably say he's going to be ready for Opening Day," Epstein said. "But, probably, that's unrealistic. If we do the right thing and build him up slowly, he'll probably miss it by a few weeks. But we'll see."

EDGE Analysis

Epstein noted that Morrow while is progressing as anticipated in his rehab from Nov. 6 arthroscopic surgery for his throwing elbow, the 34-year-old won't be ready for the start of spring training. He could be ready for mound work by the time the Cactus League season winds down, but since he'll be behind the rest of his fellow pitchers, Morrow may need some additional rehab time. Once healthy, Morrow, who posted a 1.47 ERA and went 22 for 24 in his save opportunities last season, should serve as the Cubs' primary closer, but the team could take a committee approach to the ninth inning while they await his return.

Morrow (arm) underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow Nov. 6 and may not be available for Opening Day, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The procedure was deemed a cleanup. Morrow is hoping to start throwing sometime around the beginning of February, and given that timeframe, he's unlikely to be ready for the start of the season. Morrow appeared in just 35 games for the Cubs in 2018 thanks to back and arm injuries. When healthy, the right-hander converted 22 of his 24 saves on the back of a 1.47 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 31:9 K:BB (30.2 innings). If Morrow is sidelined to start the 2019 campaign, Pedro Strop, Steve Cishek and Carl Edwards are all options to temporarily fill in as closer.

Morrow (arm) was shifted to the 60-day disabled list Wednesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is simply procedural, as Morrow has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a bone bruise in his right arm. He's expected to be ready for the start of spring training next season. Pedro Strop (hamstring) is also sidelined, so Steve Cishek, Justin Wilson, Brandon Kintzler and Jesse Chavez are all options to see saves for Chicago down the stretch. Allen Webster was promoted from the minors to take Morrow's spot on the roster.

President of baseball operations Theo Epstein announced Saturday that Morrow (biceps) will not pitch again this season, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morrow has been on the 10-disabled list since mid-July as he's battled biceps inflammation, with the issue worsening again recently as he ramped up his throwing for a potential return, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Morrow (biceps) expects to be activated from the disabled list within the next few days, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The closer has now missed two full months with biceps inflammation. He threw a simulated game Saturday, which evidently went well enough that he feels confident a return is close. That's good news for the Cubs, who just lost interim closer Pedro Strop to a hamstring strain.

Morrow (biceps) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Saturday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is the next step in Morrow's recovery from right biceps inflammation after he tossed a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday. The right-hander has been out since mid-July, so the Cubs will likely continue to proceed with caution even if he looks great in the sim game. When Morrow is able to return, manager Joe Maddon said he won't immediately put him back in the closer's role. "It's hard to force him into a situation he's not ready for," Maddon said.

Morrow (biceps) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and is expected to partake in a simulated game this weekend, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morrow added that he feels like he's "healthy enough to compete" and is aiming for a return next weekend if all continues to go as planned. Prior to Wednesday's session, Morrow tossed a 25-pitch "light bullpen" Sunday and has continued to gradually work his way back from a biceps injury he suffered in mid-July. Per Wittenmyer, the right-hander conceded that it "doesn't matter" if he returns to his role in the ninth-inning upon his return, though manager Joe Maddon hasn't said anything to question Morrow's placement atop the Cubs' bullpen.

Morrow (biceps) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morrow threw what was described as a light bullpen session over the weekend with no issues, so he'll likely ramp things up Wednesday. The Cubs are still hoping to get Morrow back before the end of the season, though it's still unclear if the veteran reliever will have enough time.

Morrow (biceps) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morrow's throwing session was defined as "light," so he didn't get a good feel for how his injured bicep was feeling. Although the Cubs are hopeful Morrow will manage to pitch again before the season ends, he still isn't all that close to returning. More news on his rehab is expected to be released Monday.

Morrow (biceps) is scheduled to throw off a mound Sunday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is a positive step for Morrow, who hasn't thrown a bullpen session since suffering a setback in mid-August. Manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday that there was "barely" enough time for Morrow to return this season, but the Cubs are now hoping to have the right-hander back in game action sometime between Sept. 14-16 if everything goes as planned. Assuming he gets through Sunday's session setback-free, Morrow will progress to a simulated game before potentially returning. Once (and if) he's activated, he isn't expected to immediately resume closing duties.