A quick glance at Craig Kimbrel‘s season statistics would suggest that the new closer for the Boston Red Sox hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, but the All-Star reliever has looked like his old self since returning from the disabled list to begin the month.
Most pitchers would be pleased with a 3.08 ERA, but for Kimbrel it represents a career-high that nearly doubles his 1.78 career mark. Kimbrel has always been a bit generous with the free passes, but his 4.6 BB/9 this season is well above his normal rate.
Does this mean the Red Sox didn’t receive the elite closer they thought they were getting when the surrendered a bountiful package to acquire him from the San Diego Padres last winter?