Adding a changeup won’t be part of Craig Kimbrel’s attempt to rebound from a poor start for the Cubs

© Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune/TNS Chicago Cubs reliever Craig Kimbrel stands by as Pittsburgh Pirates batter Josh Bell rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the ninth inning at Wrigley Field on Friday, July 31, 2020.

Any rebound by Chicago Cubs reliever Craig Kimbrel is unlikely to involve the incorporation of a third pitch.

The Cubs have concentrated heavily on refining Kimbrel’s mechanics so he’s hiding the ball as late as possible and throwing his curve more frequently for strikes to keep hitters honest

Dating to his days with the Braves (2010-14), Kimbrel has experimented with a changeup in spring training but has been hesitant to use it in games.

And for now, Cubs manager David Ross would rather have Kimbrel concentrate on his mechanics changes than incorporate a changeup.

“We found with his changeup that he can drop his arm and get into some things that can create some bad habits,” Ross said Sunday during a conference call. “It’s a fine line to trying to walk with that third pitch.”

Kimbrel threw one scoreless inning Sunday during a five-inning simulated game at Wrigley Field, striking out two.

Ross intimated that Kimbrel, who has allowed seven runs on six hits and five walks in 2 1/4 u2154 innings covering four appearances, was more effective Sunday throwing his fastball in the upper part of the strike zone.

“He looked a little more like the Craig we’ve seen flashes of and the way he’s been most of his career,” Ross said. “I think it was a step forward today.”

Many of Kimbrel’s problems this season have stemmed from the unwillingness of hitters to swing at his curve so they can wait for his fastball.

According to Fangraphs, opponents have swung at only 2.6% of Kimbrel’s pitches outside the strike zone and have swung and missed 6.6% of Kimbrel’s pitches.

In other pitching news, Colin Rea could play a larger role as a spot starter if the Cubs-Cardinals series that was postponed over the weekend is made up as part of three doubleheaders.

Rea struck out two during a scoreless inning Wednesday in Kansas City, and he struck out three in a 23-pitch scoreless inning in the simulated game. Rea was 14-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 26 starts for Triple-A Iowa last season and was named the Pacific Coast League pitcher of the year.

“He’s there,” said Ross, adding Adbert Alzolay as another candidate. “I’m not afraid to pull that trigger.”

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