Daily News | Craig Kimbrel feeling back in rhythm just when the Phillies need it most
’ Craig Kimbrel noticed something was off last week after his two outings in Los Angeles in which he allowed six earned runs and three walks in a combined one inning against the Dodgers. The veteran reliever was dropping his head and picking up the catcher’s mitt a little bit late. He felt out of rhythm.
In his last two outings, on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, Kimbrel didn’t allow a hit or a run, with four strikeouts and no walks. His velocity was up a bit in his outing on Tuesday — jumping from an average of 95.2 mph to 97.5 mph — but what was more important, in his mind, was his feel for his curveball. Because he was keeping his eyes up on the target, and staying in line, he was able to throw it for strikes.
When Kimbrel signed with the Phillies this offseason and began working with their coaching staff, he told them he was a slow starter. That wasn’t as big of a deal at the time given how the rest of the bullpen — particularly José Alvarado — was pitching. But things have changed. On Wednesday, Alvarado was placed on the 15-day injured list after an MRI revealed inflammation in his left elbow. He will be shut down for a few days.
“I just pray and hope he recovers well and everything comes back great,” Kimbrel said of Alvarado. “Because he’s a big piece to this team. He’s a great guy, I want the best for him. He’s a big part of this team and we need him. Hopefully he can get a little rest and everything comes back fine.”
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