One former White Sox pitcher will not be playing in this year’s NLDS.
Right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel has been left off the Dodgers playoff roster ahead of tonight’s Game 1 vs. the San Diego Padres. This exclusion is the latest chapter in what has been a turbulent season for the eight-time All-Star.
Kimbrel, 34, was traded from the White Sox on April 1st in exchange for outfielder AJ Pollock and was immediately viewed as the Dodgers’ replacement for longtime closer Kenley Jansen. Kimbrel went on to make 63 appearances for Los Angeles, sporting a 6-7 record with a 3.75 ERA, 2.57 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 22 saves – plus five blown saves – by the end of the regular season. Down the stretch, the veteran lost his closer role and worked in middle relief, with five of his last six appearances coming before the ninth inning.
Kimbrel’s history on the South Side has not been remembered fondly by White Sox fans. After posting an All-Star worthy first-half with the Cubs in 2021, the White Sox acquired him at the trade deadline for injured second baseman Nick Madrigal and right-hander Codi Heuer.
After the move, Kimbrel got off to a rather decent start with the Sox aside from surrendering three runs in his third outing. However, the right-hander’s struggles only mounted in the following weeks as he served in a setup role behind closer Liam Hendriks. Ultimately, Kimbrel finished with an abysmal 5.09 ERA in 23.0 IP with the Sox, carrying the poor performance over into the ALDS where the Astros jumped on him for three runs, two earned, in two innings pitched.
For the Dodgers, the decision to leave Kimbrel off isn’t entirely performance-based as it also says something about the current state of their bullpen. Previously injured right-handers Blake Treinen and Dustin May were noticeably active, thus making it easier to squeeze Kimbrel off.
If they advance to the NLCS, the Dodgers will have the opportunity to make changes to their roster. Until then, it is finalized for the upcoming series barring any injuries.
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Featured Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
