CHICAGO -- Cubs right-hander Pedro Strop is set to be activated off the disabled list Friday, solidifying Chicago's bullpen for the playoffs.
Strop threw about 20 pitches without difficulty in a simulated game Tuesday and declared himself pain-free following knee and groin injuries. Manager Joe Maddon said Strop would pitch Friday against St. Louis.
The Cubs plan to give Strop five appearances before the NL Central champions begin the postseason on Oct. 7.
Strop and Hector Rondon figure to share seventh- and eighth-inning duties for the Cubs to set up closer Aroldis Chapman.
The 31-year-old Strop needed surgery for a meniscus tear suffered in his last appearance Aug. 10. A groin strain then set back his rehab. He has a 2.89 ERA in 50 appearances this season.