The Los Angeles Dodgers, at 80-35, are MLB’s best team and it’s not particularly close.
That means they can afford to give more time to struggling players to see if they can revert their fortunes.
They recently did it with infielder Max Muncy, and their patience is paying off.
Now, relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel is not performing well.
He has a 4.57 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP in 41.1 frames in the 2022 campaign.
As the closer of the team, his lack of stability can affect the whole team and has direct influence in the end result.
He has allowed runs in four of his last five appearances, and does not project confidence in the slightest.
Dave Roberts Is Sticking With His Closer…For Now
His manager, Dave Roberts, is not about to abandon the boat, though.
“Dave Roberts said he’s sticking with Craig Kimbrel as his closer. ‘The result is not what any of us wanted, but I’m not going to just go by results alone if I believe that the stuff is good, the process is good,'” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya tweeted, quoting the Dodgers skipper.
Dave Roberts said he's sticking with Craig Kimbrel as his closer.
"The result is not what any of us wanted, but I'm not going to just go by results alone if I believe that the stuff is good, the process is good."
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 17, 2022
It’s not uncommon to see managers show public support to their struggling players, especially if they are established veterans like Kimbrel.
In an ideal world, the Dodgers would love for Kimbrel, a former All-Star and veteran of several key instances in the postseason, to right the ship and pitch like we all know he can.
He is far from his best version, though, and his spot in the postseason could be in danger if he doesn’t improve considerably in upcoming weeks.
With such a good record, the Dodgers can afford to wait a few more weeks to see if Kimbrel can improve.
But one thing is certain: they will be ready to replace him if he keeps pitching like this.
NEXT: Dodgers Insider Shares A Strong Craig Kimbrel Take
