Cubs receive huge boost to rotation as playoffs near

Stroman had been out since early August. He was initially placed on the injured list retroactive to August 1 due to a hip issue. The team later discovered he had a rib cartilage fracture.

Stroman rested for around two weeks after receiving the rib injury diagnosis. He then began a throwing program and had recently tossed some batting practice sessions.

The 32-year-old pitcher held a 2.47 ERA at the end of June, but posted a 9.11 ERA in July, getting hit hard in five of his six starts before being placed on the injured list.

Stroman is 10-8 with a 3.85 ERA this season and was named to the All-Star team for the second time in his career earlier this summer. He will rejoin a staff led by Cy Young contender Justin Steele. The Cubs currently hold a 2.5-game lead over the San Francisco Giants for the final wild-card spot in the National League.