Dodgers News: Craig Kimbrel Will Remain the Closer For LA

It was a tough Sunday afternoon for Dodgers fans. A game that started out so promising ended in a bullpen disaster, and it started with Craig Kimbrel, Despite a masterful performance from Clayton Kershaw. they could not pull out the 4-game series sweep over San Diego. 

Kimbrel came on in the 9th with a 1-run lead. But a ball that was lined off of his back by Jake Cronenworth slowed the game down. Even after the Dodgers training staff checked on him, Kimbrel remained in the game. And that’s when things fell apart. 

Luke Voit launched a ball off of the top of the fence to tie the game, and Eric Hosmer drove in a run to take the lead for good. The Dodgers brought in Yency Almonte after Kimbrel, and he gave up a  2-run shot to Ha-Seong Kim to give them some insurance runs. 

But after the game, Dave Roberts said that they “not even considering” a change at the closer spot despite Kimbrel’s rough performances. Across his last 15 games, the Dodgers closer has posted a 6.48 ERA and blown 3 different save opportunities. Roberts added that he thought Kimbrel had earned that and the injuries to the bullpen make the decision easier. 

But when Blake Treinen eventually returns, that conversation could shift. That’s especially true if Kimbrel is struggling as badly as he is right now. Treinen has the experience and the wipeout stuff to be a dominant closer. It’s just a matter of health for the Dodgers right now.

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Dodgers News: Craig Kimbrel Blows Another Save to Spoil Series Sweep