Even after signing Craig Kimbrel, the Cubs remain on the hunt for bullpen help

The signing of free agent Craig Kimbrel nearly two months ahead of the July 31 trade deadline alleviated a lot of stress for a Cubs team that has played the first 2½ months without a bona fide closer.

“When you have a more specific road map, it’s always a little bit better,” manager Joe Maddon said. “It matters. Just planning the game it’s different, especially with someone of that caliber.”

But the Cubs aren’t content, especially as they battle the Brewers and Cardinals for the National League Central title. And Kimbrel, who threw his first of two live batting practice sessions at the team’s spring training complex in Mesa, Ariz., on Thursday, likely won’t return until the end of June.

Relievers Carl Edwards Jr., Brandon Morrow, Tony Barnette, Allen Webster and Xavier Cedeno are on the injured list, and Epstein and Cubs executives are trying to add more depth in the case of more injuries before the July 31 trade deadline, which starting this year will be the last day any trades are allowed.

“There’s a long way to go before the end of July,” Epstein said. “New rules this year will probably make for a higher volume across the industry, even if there are small deals.

“I don’t think we’ve seen a difference (in talks) yet, but teams are huddling up with how they’re going to deal with a one-chance-only approach.”

The addition of Kimbrel, a seven-time All-Star, alleviates the need to rely on Morrow, who continues to progress slowly six weeks after receiving a lubricating injection in his right elbow.

“We feel good having (Kimbrel) here, and now it’s trying to approach this the right way to have him back,” Epstein said. “It’s still relatively early in the trade season so we’ll continue to evaluate. I think we know this is the year there will be a lot of adjustments on the way, one way or another, and we’ll stay proactive and very competitive out there.”

mgonzales@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MDGonzales

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