In the past several years, the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen has struggled. Not being able to lock down games late has proven to cost them a handful of games every season. That hasn’t been the case in 2015, though. Add a former All-Star closer and things are looking even better for Chicago.

Rafael Soriano, who the team signed in June, was called up after pitching 14 scoreless innings in the minor leagues. He joins a much-improved bullpen that is eighth in the major leagues in ERA at 3.16.

With the addition of Soriano, here’s what the bullpen will look like:

• LHP Travis Wood
• LHP James Russell
• RHP Justin Grimm
• RHP Neil Ramirez
• RHP Rafael Soriano
• RHP Pedro Strop
• RHP Hector Rondon
• RHP Jason Motte

That group is extremely formidable for a number of reasons. First of all, they have two lefties in Wood and Russell, both of whom can pitch to opposing lefties in big situations.

The bigger factor that makes this unit elite is the fact that the team now has four relievers who can pitch in the later innings. Soriano, Strop, Rondon and Motte all have extensive experience in the eighth and ninth innings.

Add Grimm, who is having the best season of his career, and Ramirez, who has been very good since returning from injury, and this bullpen looks flat-out dangerous.

Soriano himself figures to get some work as the closer and he could establish himself in the role if he performs well. However, manager Joe Maddon has shown a tendency to rotate the ninth-inning role depending on who’s hot.

With eight quality arms out in the bullpen, opposing teams are going to have a difficult time scoring runs late, especially now that Soriano has been added to the mix. That, by season’s end, could be the difference between the Cubs missing and making the playoffs.