Dodger fans are all too familiar with now Philadelphia Phillies closer Criag Kimbrel. He was a consistent opponent of the club for so long and then joined LA last season in the bullpen. His tenure with the Dodgers was one that many would like to forget as he struggled all season to be an effective option for the team.
He had five blown saves last season with the Dodgers and became unreliable to use in big moments. Kimbrel was left off the postseason roster due to this.
But fast forward one season and Kimbrel has changed the narrative around him and was even just named as an All-Star replacement. He gets in over some other players deserving such as the Dodgers own Evan Phillips.
On the season, Kimbrel has posted an ERA of 3.41 and 14 saves over 39 games played. He has also added 57 strikeouts over 37 innings of work. It has been a nice bounceback season for the former Dodgers closer and it now lands him with the honor of being an All-Star.
But compared to Phillips, his placement in the game is a bit questionable. In 36 games played this season, Phillips has posted an ERA of 2.57 with 12 saves. He has struck out 41 in 35 innings as well.
The numbers between the two pitchers seem to favor Phillips but it just wasn’t in the cards for him to make the National League team. Kimbrel has had a great season for Philadelphia but Phillips has just been better.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had pushed for his guy to make the cut after another strong season but Phillips will have to wait another season to make his first All-Star game.
Ironically, Phillips broke out onto the scene last year as the main setup man for Kimbrel when both were with LA. And now he is getting snubbed by being selected behind that very man player.
Phillips has been a mainstay for the LA bullpen as they have dealt with many injuries this season and he will look to keep pushing forward despite this.
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