Boston Red Sox: 3 bullpen arms to count on down the stretch

Craig Kimbrel

The feared closer of the Boston Red Sox. There is nothing like seeing the scoreboard at Fenway go black, show a match start to light and them flames erupt on the screen while “Stranglehold” by Ted Nugent blast over the speakers. Not to mention the way the closer holds his arm up when he looks in at the catcher before he starts to make his pitch.

On the season, Kimbrel has a 2.47 ERA, with 37 saves in 41 opportunities. He also has a mind-blowing 77 strikeouts and only 23 walks in 51 innings pitched.

Kimbrel has been sub-par since the All-Star break. In 10 games, the closer has posted a 5.23 ERA with 15 punch outs and 7 walks.

With a month and a half left in the season, Kimbrel has plenty of time to work out the kinks to get ready for October. The Red Sox are going to rely heavily on their closer come Playoff time.

In October, pitching is key, especially relief pitching. The last 3 outs of a game are the hardest to get, especially in October. The Sox need Kimbrel if they wish to represent the American League in the Fall Classic.

The Boston Red Sox are World Series favorites, largely behind their explosive offense and dominant starting pitching. The bullpen has by far been the team’s weak link, but it has been largely overlooked. Come October, the bullpen will determine how far this team makes it in the playoffs.