Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the tenth inning at Chase Field. Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers to go closer-by-committee, find 'different innings' for Craig Kimbrel

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/23/22

Entering the home stretch of the 2022 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers own the best record in baseball and have already clinched the National League West division title.

Despite the team's success, the Dodgers have decided to make a significant change to the backend of their bullpen.

On Friday, manager Dave Roberts removed Craig Kimbrel from the closer role, adding that the team will go with a closer-by-committee the rest of the way.

#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said they’re going to take Craig Kimbrel out of the closer role.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) September 23, 2022

The move to demote Kimbrel comes as no surprise. The 34-year-old has struggled to find his form throughout the year, blowing five saves over 57 appearances.

"He knows that there's more there, there's more consistency and just the openness to do what's best," Roberts told reports. "My job is to find the best lanes for him and he has no worries in the routines and something he's always done. He looks at it more as a challenge and that's the way we would expect."

Roberts didn't specify a role moving forward for Kimbrel but said they'd find "different innings and different situations" for the eight-time All-Star.

"I can't predict the future," Roberts said. "All I know is that at this moment in time, he's ready to embrace whatever role we have for him and time will tell."

Kimbrel has pitched 54.1 innings this season for the Dodgers, posting a 6-6 record with a 4.14 ERA and 22 saves.

More must-reads: