It sure sounds like the Cubs are getting a pivotal bullpen arm back just in time for Brewers' series

Jed Hoyer has stressed the importance of the Chicago Cubs relying on internal depth as the team waits for their pitching staff to get healthy, and we may finally be approaching the other side of that strategy. Caleb Thielbar started a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend, and his next stop could be a return to the Cubs' bullpen.

While providing an injury update during last night's game against the Chicago White Sox, Marquee Sports Network's Taylor McGregor reported that Thielbar could be activated ahead of Sunday's game against the White Sox. If not, the impression is that the veteran southpaw will be back in the bullpen for the Cubs' series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.

Given that Thielbar pitched last night, chances are the corresponding move will take place on Monday. Recovering from a hamstring injury, it would seem unlikely that the Cubs would put the 39-year-old veteran in a situation where he would be pitching on back-to-back days after missing several weeks. In his outing last night, Thielbar struck out two of the five batters he faced.

Cubs' patched together bullpen has been getting results

There have certainly been moving parts in the Cubs' bullpen this season, considering the number of injuries the team has had to work through, but they've quietly been getting results. Jacob Webb seems to have emerged as an effective high-leverage relief pitcher in the aftermath of the struggles of Phil Maton and injury to Hunter Harvey. Trent Thornton has four scoreless outings to start his tenure with the Cubs, and Ryan Rolison is striking out 26% of the hitters he faced through 12 innings of work.

If the Cubs' bullpen was going to stabilize this season, it was going to be due to someone from the group of minor-league veterans they brought in during the offseason becoming a legitimate option for Craig Counsell. Both Thornton and Rolison seem to be checking that box through the early going.

Having said that, the Cubs will certainly need to rely on their established options before the end of the season. Thielbar is certainly in that group, and his return, if nothing else, pushes everyone down a slot in the bullpen. Once Thielbar is activated, it would seem likely that Ethan Roberts is the corresponding move.

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