Duensing and the Cubs agreed Wednesday on a two-year, $7 million contract, Jon Heyman of FanRagSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

An unremarkable reliever for much of his nine big-league seasons, Duensing earned a slight pay increase after submitting a career-best 2.74 ERA (3.41 FIP) across 62.1 innings in 2017, his first year with the Cubs. The 34-year-old lefty supported the ERA with an 8.8 K/9 rate -- also a career-best mark -- with increased usage in his off-speed pitches seemingly keying his success. Duensing, who proved similarly effective against both right- and left-handed hitters last season, should factor prominently into the setup mix ahead of new closer Brandon Morrow.

Duensing recorded his seventh hold of the season in Wednesday's win over the Reds despite allowing an earned run over two thirds of an inning.

EDGE Analysis

This is only the second time since July 1 that Duensing has allowed a run. During that span, he has a 1.20 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and five holds over 15 innings. For the season, Duensing has a 2.57 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, making him a valuable left-handed reliever for the Cubs.

Duensing picked up his second hold of the season in Friday's loss to the Yankees. He pitched 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

Duensing came on for Kyle Hendricks with one out in the sixth, and he got the Cubs through the seventh with a lead that Hector Rondon blew in the ninth. Duensing had a 8.10 ERA at the end of April, but he's tossed 4.2 scoreless innings in May to get his ERA down to 4.76.

Duensing gave up three hits and three earned runs in an inning of work in Saturday's loss to the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

In his second outing since being activated from the DL on Friday, the lefty was unable to hold a lead for Jake Arrieta. Duensing also allowed his first home run of the season, as Josh Harrison took him deep in the seventh inning.

The Cubs activated Duensing off the 10-day disabled list Friday, Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duensing will take the roster spot of Carl Edwards Jr., who was sent to the bereavement list. Duensing will resume his role as mop-up arm or lefty matchup specialist.

Duensing (back) tossed two scoreless innings in a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Monday, striking out five batters and conceding one broken-bat hit, Iowa Cubs Director of Media Relations Randy Wehofer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duensing's rehab outing went about as well as the Cubs could have hoped, and given that he was able to cover two innings, he may not require many more appearances in the minors before being activated. Once deemed fully healthy, the 34-year-old will provide the Cubs with an extra left-handed option out of the bullpen, though he's not expected to see much usage in high-leverage situations.

Duensing (back) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday, Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duensing will be forced to miss the first 10 days of the season due to the lower-back spasms that have plagued him during camp. He's eligible to return as soon as April 12.

Duensing will start the season on the disabled list, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duensing dealt with a bout of back soreness earlier in spring training, and it appears that he's not up to speed enough to perform when the games actually count. This move will allow Matt Szczur and Tommy La Stella to both crack the Opening Day roster, although it's unclear how things will play out once Duensing is available to return to the Cubs bullpen.

Duensing left Thursday's spring training game due to lower back tightness, Gordon WIttenmyer of the Chicago Sun-TImes reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duensing will be reexamined Friday morning. Before he left the game, he had given up three earned runs while managing to retire just one batter. The lefty should be considered day-to-day for the time being.

Duensing left Thursday's game early with an apparent injury, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duensing was in the midst of a brutal inning and had given up four earned runs while managing to retire just one batter. He left the game with the Cubs' trainer, but it was unclear what was causing him discomfort. More specific information Duensing's condition should be available in the near future as the team has the chance to further examine him.