Dodgers finally demote Craig Kimbrel from the closer role

24.09.2022 04:40

DailyNews.com

LOS ANGELES — Manager Dave Roberts finally acknowledged the inevitable – Craig Kimbrel will not be closing games for the Dodgers anymore.

Roberts said he spoke with Kimbrel on Friday afternoon, a night after he gave up a solo home run to Christian Walker in the ninth inning of a tie game – apparently the final straw in a season filled with inconsistency and unreliable closeouts.

“Right now the plan is to change roles and just kind of get him in a position to pitch in different innings and different situations,” Roberts said. “He was very open to doing whatever is best for the ballclub. I feel good about it. We’ll see where that takes us.”

Kimbrel will be treated “like we treat all of our guys in the sense of putting them in the best position to get outs,” Roberts said.

“That’s kind of how I’m going to approach every inning,” he said.

It seems inconceivable that Kimbrel would somehow regain the closer role before the postseason, leaving the ninth inning in October unclaimed and likely open to the same type of matchup-determined decision-making. With Blake Treinen’s return on hold, save situations could be spread among Brusdar Graterol, Tommy Kahnle, Chris Martin and others down the stretch with the back end of the bullpen possibly restructured for the postseason.

“That’s kind of what our thinking is the best way to go about it right now,” Roberts said, declining to answer directly about the postseason closer situation.

“It’s kind of the whole mindset of just because you’ve always done something one way doesn’t make it right. So it might not be traditional. But I’m not too concerned about it.”

Seventh all-time with 394 career saves, Kimbrel does not have much history pitching in a non-closer role. What history he does have – 2020 and 2021 with the Chicago Cubs and White Sox – is not good.

“I think the thing is he’s such a professional and knows that there’s more in there, there’s more consistency,” Roberts said, praising Kimbrel’s “openness to do whatever is best.

“My job is to find the best lanes for him. He has no worries about the routine and something he’s always done. He more looks at it as a challenge.”

GONSOLIN REHAB

Right-hander Tony Gonsolin is scheduled to pitch two innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday to begin a minor-league injury rehabilitation assignment of undetermined length.

“I think it’s all kind of contingent on how that one goes on Tuesday,” Roberts said when asked if Gonsolin would make more than one rehab start. “I don’t think there’s a set number. We’ll just see how Tuesday goes.”

Gonsolin has been out since Aug. 23 with a forearm strain. Roberts has already said it’s unlikely Gonsolin will have time to build back up for a role in the starting rotation and could move into a different role for the postseason.

HUDSON RETURN

The Dodgers have agreed on a contract extension with veteran reliever Daniel Hudson who is currently recovering from season-ending knee surgery.

The Dodgers will pick up the 2023 option in the 35-year-old Hudson’s contract, agreeing to pay him $6.5 million next year and adding another club option for 2024 for $6.5 million with appearance bonuses that can increase it to $7.5 million.

Hudson had a 2.22 ERA and five saves with 30 strikeouts in 24⅓ innings this season before he suffered a torn ACL during a game on June 24. Hudson underwent season-ending surgery but said during his recovery that he hopes to be ready to pitch during spring training next year.

ALSO

Right-hander Michael Grove will start Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. Left-hander Tyler Anderson will get extra rest and start the series opener in San Diego on Tuesday.