New Reliever Happy To Excel In Any Role Needed This Season For Philadelphia Phillies
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Craig Kimbrel is used to taking the baseball with the game on the line in the ninth inning.
He has excelled in save situations throughout his stellar 14-year career.
The eight-time All-Star has compiled 394 saves which ranks seventh all-time.
When Kimbrel signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, he understood that circumstances could be different.
Instead of the ninth inning, Kimbrel might get the baseball in the sixth, seventh or eighth. Or even the ninth. It depends on so many factors.
Kimbrel is joining a strong bullpen which already includes Seranthony Dominguez, Jose Alvarado, Gregory Soto and Matt Strahm, among others.
“I want to get outs. I want to throw scoreless innings,” Kimbrel told Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie on a recent radio interview on 94 WIP. “Do I want to get some save opportunities? Absolutely. Do I realize it’s not going to be every night? I know it’s going to be a factor as well. I feel as long as I go out there and do my job, those chances and opportunities will come based on how I’m doing on the field and throwing the ball.”
Only six relief pitchers have compiled 600 or more saves in MLB history led by Mariano Rivera with 652 and Trevor Hoffman with 601. Lee Smith is next with 478 followed by Francisco Rodriguez with 437, John Franco (424) and Billy Wagner (422).
At this stage of his career, Kimbrel simply craves a championship. He believes that opportunity is very feasible in 2023 with the Phillies.
“(It’s an) opportunity to win. I saw what the (Phillies) did toward the end of last year – the atmosphere in the ballpark, the guys in the dugout, and how much fun they were having,” Kimbrel told WIP. “(As) you said, at this point in my career, I’m looking to come to have some fun, win some ball games, and win some championships. That had a lot to do with why I wanted to come here. Camp is going really well. Very professional show up.”
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