Hector Rondon returned to action on Monday June 16.

Hector Rondon returned to action on Monday and struck out the side in his inning of work against the Marlins.

Rondon hadn't pitched in 10 days because of elbow soreness. He gave up a hit and a walk during his inning tonight and threw 26 pitches, so we really doubt that he'll be available again on Tuesday. Technically, he's still probably the Cubs' closer. However, Neil Ramirez figures to be used in the ninth if there's a save situation tomorrow.

Hector Rondon (elbow) is expected to be available Sunday after getting through an 11-pitch bullpen session Saturday with no issues.

"He got through an 11-pitch pen,'' Renteria said. ``He threw breaking balls. He didn't have any setbacks. And we'll see how he feels [Sunday morning], how he reacts." Rondon added that he feels "really good. Everything's normal right now." The reliever had Tommy John surgery in 2010 and a follow-up procedure less than two years later, so it's understandable that the Cubs exercised some caution here. It appears that Rondon will be fine, but his owners should roster Neil Ramirez as insurance.

Hector Rondon (elbow) is scheduled to throw off flat ground on Saturday and said that his elbow issue wasn't a concern and that he would be fine.

It's encouraging news for Rondon owners, who may have the closer back at some point this weekend. Neil Ramirez remains a nice handcuff option to have on-hand though in case the elbow injury becomes more serious.

Cubs manager Rick Renteria clarified Friday that Neil Ramirez was used in a save situation instead of Hector Rondon due to the fact that Rondon is dealing with a bit of a sore elbow.

Renteria didn't seem overly concerned about the injury, and said that Rondon will test his elbow with a bullpen session on Saturday. Fantasy owners should pay careful attention to how that session goes, as Ramirez could be an interesting source of saves in the short-term should Rondon require a trip to the disabled list.

Hector Rondon worked around a two-out single in the ninth inning to pick up his seventh save in Wednesday's win over the Mets.

Rondon struck out two in his second appearance since returning from paternity leave, improving his K/BB ratio to 27/8 in 24 2/3 innings and lowering his ERA to 1.46. He's 7-for-8 in save chances on the season.

Cubs activated RHP Hector Rondon from the paternity leave list.

Rondon only missed a couple of games. He has been getting the majority of save opportunities over the past month for the Cubs and should be owned in all standard fantasy leagues. Neil Ramirez is worth a stash.

Cubs placed RHP Hector Rondon on the paternity leave list.

He can be away from the big club for up to three days. Pedro Strop has replaced him on the roster, but it's doubtful he'd be used in the ninth inning fresh off the DL. If the Cubs get a save chance while Rondon is away, Neil Ramirez or possibly Justin Grimm could get a shot.

Hector Rondon pitched a scoreless ninth for a save Saturday against the Padres.

Rondon retired all three batters he faced in his first appearance since taking a blown save Wednesday against the Yankees. He's 6-for-7 saving games for the Cubs.

Hector Rondon blew a two-run lead Wednesday in the Cubs' extra-innings loss to the Yankees.

Jeff Samardzija started the game and tossed seven scoreless innings, but Rondon's rough outing kept the Cubs' ace from securing his first victory of the 2014 season. Chicago's ninth-inning situation remains a mess.

Hector Rondon worked around a lead-off double in the ninth inning to secure his fifth save as the Cubs defeated the Brewers 4-2 on Sunday.

Rondon allowed a lead-off double to Ryan Braun to begin the frame, but used a pair of strikeouts and a pop-up to keep the Brewers at bay. Rondon has done a fine job for the Cubs thus far, sporting a 1.33 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 24/6 K/BB ratio in 20 1/3 innings.

Hector Rondon notched his fourth save of the season on Saturday, working a perfect ninth inning to protect a three-run lead against the Brewers.

It had been nearly two weeks since the Cubs generated a save chance for Rondon, but he didn't miss a beat, mowing through the heart of the Brewers order without any difficulty. The young right-hander now sports an excellent

Hector Rondon picked up his first loss of the season against the Cardinals on Sunday, surrendering a pair of runs in 2/3 of an inning.

Rondon took over in a 3-3 game to begin the ninth inning, and partially helped by the inconsistent strike zone of Angel Hernandez, the Cardinals loaded the bases on a single and a pair of walks. After recording a pair of strikeouts, Yadier Molina broke through with a two-run single to left field on a 1-2 offering. He still owns a terrific 1.69 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 18/6 K/BB ratio through 16 innings on the season, but this could be enough for manager Rick Renteria to try out Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm or Neil Ramirez in the next save chance.

Hector Rondon tossed a scoreless ninth inning Saturday against the Cardinals for his third save of the season.

After entering the top of the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead, Rondon gave up back-to-back hits to Yadier Molina and Jhonny Peralta. However, he got Jon Jay to ground into a double play and struck out Mark Ellis swinging to end the game. The 26-year-old has saves in back-to-back days and owns an impressive 0.59 ERA and 16/4 K/BB ratio in 15 1/3 innings this season. Cubs manager Rick Renteria isn't ready to officially name a closer, but Rondon is the pitcher to own in this bullpen in fantasy leagues.

Cubs manager Rick Renteria said Saturday that despite Hector Rondon working a perfect ninth inning to secure a save on Friday, that his closer situation is still "fluid".

While that's nice a nice sentiment, it's hard to imagine Renteria turning anywhere else the next time a save opportunity presents itself. Rondon has been outstanding this season, compiling a 0.63 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 15/4 K/BB ratio over his first 14 1/3 innings. He need to be owned in all mixed leagues at this point.

Hector Rondon notched his second save of the season with a perfect inning in Friday's victory over the Cardinals.

Rondon got a groundout and a foulout before Matt Adams hit a liner to Junior Lake in left field to end it. Cubs manager Rick Renteria has yet to anoint a closer, but Rondon (0.63 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 15 strikeouts over 14 1/3 innings) is pitching the best of all of his relievers right now and certainly needs to be owned in all fantasy leagues.

Hector Rondon struck out the side in the ninth inning of the Cubs' 4-0 win over the Brewers on Sunday.

It wasn't officially a save situation with the Cubs leading by four, but it's clear that Rondon has Cubs manager Rick Renteria's confidence. His competition for the ninth inning role, Pedro Strop, pitched a scoreless eighth inning in the game. It's a good bet that Rondon gets the call the next time the Cubs need a save.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Rule 5 pick Hector Rondon will be part of the team's Opening Day bullpen.

Michael Bowden has also earned a spot. Rondon has allowed just two runs over six innings this spring. The young right-hander has been limited to just 13 appearances since 2010 due to injury issues and is making his way back from Tommy John surgery. The Cubs will probably eventually give him a shot to start again, but they'll use him in long relief this season.

Cubs selected RHP Hector Rondon from the Indians with the second pick in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft.

Rondon was limited to seven innings in 2012 due to his ongoing recovery from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. The 24-year-old will hope for a healthy 2013.

Indians re-signed RHP Hector Rondon to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Rondon threw only seven innings in 2012 because of lingering complications related to his 2010 Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. He's no sure bet for 2013.