Sep 27, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) prepares to pitch against the San Diego Padres during the tenth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres
Craig Kimbrel has been left off the Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster.
The decision doesn’t come as a complete shock given Kimbrel’s persistent struggles during regular season, which culminated in him being removed from the closer role back on September 23. The 34-year-old veteran closer converted just 22 saves and posted an inflated 3.75 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 72/28 K/BB ratio across 60 innings (63 appearances) this season in his Dodgers debut.
Kimbrel tossed 5.2 scoreless innings and held opponents to a .067/.300/.067 batting line over six appearances after being taken out of the closer role. Although Kimbrel allowed just one hit during that span, he did walk five batters and took a loss when one of those brought in the game-winning run in extra innings against the San Diego Padres.
L.A. acquired the right-hander from the White Sox in exchange for Chicago White Sox outfielder AJ Pollack back in April. The plan was to have Kimbrel take over the closer role after Kenly Jansen signed with the Atlanta Braves. Safe to say that plan failed.
It was arguably the only blunder this Dodgers team made this year as the team finished with a league high 111 wins. Only three teams in the history of the sport have won more games in a single season.
The Dodgers host the Padres in Game 1 of the National League Divisional Series Tuesday at 9:40 PM EST.
