During the 2022 postseason, seven different relievers threw the final pitch in a Phillies victory. Five relievers earned at least one save. Rob Thomson’s mixing and matching in big spots and having success while doing it is a huge reason why the Phillies advanced as far as they did.
For the Phillies, sticking with that plan makes sense, even after signing MLB’s active saves leader.
2022 was an up-and-down year for Craig Kimbrel as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He posted a solid 3.75 ERA, but lost the closer’s job near the end of the season and was left off the Dodgers’ NLDS roster.