Craig Kimbrel’s days as Cubs’ closer could be numbered if struggles continue

“Right now, he’s obviously mechanically out of whack, and the shape of his pitches are not what it normally is,” Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said of Craig Kimbrel.The Cubs’ bullpen has been in the spotlight to begin the season and a big part of that attention has been the recent struggles of closer Craig Kimbrel.

Kimbrel has been working through some challenges since the beginning of summer camp, including command, velocity and feel for his signature knuckle-curveball. Those issues have popped up in both of his appearances this season.

On Friday, it was the long ball that bit Kimbrel as he allowed a pair of solo home runs in the ninth inning vs. the Pirates. That followed Monday’s…