Boston Red Sox: Craig Kimbrel has been lights outs in 2017
In 2017 all Boston Red Sox fan attention has been on Chris Sale, but closer Craig Kimbrel has also been lights out to begin the year.
Last season Craig Kimbrel struggled at times for the Boston Red Sox. In 2016 he recorded 31 total saves. In 2017, through 14 appearances, he has 10.
Kimbrel has been nearly unhittable at the back end of the bullpen for the Sox. He’s currently pitched 14.0 innings in 14 appearances with a 1.29 ERA.
The closer also already has 26 strikeouts on the year. So what has made Kimbrel so unhittable so far?
More from Boston Red Sox
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
- Mookie Betts Has Humble Outlook on Returning to Fenway
- Alex Cora Reveals What He Said to Cause NSFW Response from Justin Verlander
In 2017 Kimbrel’s fastball velocity is sitting at a 98 MPH average. He’s simply overpowering hitters. He can also come at you with a knuckle-curve in the upper-80’s. Kimbrel also isn’t shying away from batters, he’s attacking. So far 68% of Kimbrel’s pitches are in the strike zone this season, after that rate was at just 61% last year.
Kimbrel’s teammates, like second baseman Dustin Pedrioa, have noticed his dominance in 2017.
"“He’s always been good, a guy who is an All-Star most years and one of the best at what he does, but this year, it’s overpowering. He comes in and punches everybody out. His stuff is overwhelming.”"
Kimbrel’s 10 saves leads all MLB closers, and he’s struckout more than half of all batters he’s faced. If he can keep this up, the Red Sox will be in a great position to make a postseason run in October.
Next: Is Devers the answer at 3B?
Another fun fact: the Red Sox are 14-0 when Kimbrel pitches in a game this season. Coincidence? I don’t think so.