Craig Kimbrel’s prolonged layoff, long-term viability at 31 years old and this past year’s weak performance in the postseason with the Red Sox (5.91 ERA, 1.59 ERA in 10??2/3 innings more than nine appearances) were all legitimate causes of concern and he hasn’t been consistent this season. He had two trips in July but followed up them with eight scoreless appearances.
Although most of Kimbrel’s looks have been clean, he’s also given up three earned runs on three distinct occasions, which explains his bloated 5.68 ERA in 19 innings over 21 looks this year.
Keeping and control the ball in the playground was problematic for him. Kimbrel includes 11 walks and he’s hit two batters in his 19 innings of work, surrendering six home runs (one shy of last season’s career-high seven home runs allowed).
Kimbrel has to return to shape if the Cubs would like to move far in the postseason. Hopefully, his battles aren’t indications of a decline.
Odds To Win The National League
(Courtesy of 5Dimes)
Los Angeles Dodgers -115
Atlanta Braves +398
Washington Nationals +800
St. Louis Cardinals +900
Chicago Cubs +1400
Philadelphia Phillies +2800
Arizona Diamondbacks +4000
Milwaukee Brewers +4750
New York Mets +5000
San Francisco Giants +35000
Cincinnati Reds +50000
San Diego Padres +150000
Colorado Rockies +200000
Pittsburgh Pirates +200000
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