Craig Kimbrel joined the Chicago Cubs to give them consistency at the closer position and has done a decent job of doing that. He has had a few games where he blew saves, but has also been a much better option than the team had before he got there. Unfortunately, he is about to miss some time.
According to a report from Tony Andracki of NBC Chicago, the Cubs are placing Kimbrel on the injured list due to a knee injury.
Kimbrel (knee) said he definitely plans on being back once the 10 days are up and he'll continue to play catch and keep his arm in shape in the mean time.
If it were late in the season or playoffs, he said he would be able to pitch through it for sure.
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) August 5, 2019
Kimbrel has made it clear that he would be able to pitch if the Cubs were in the middle of the playoff race. Taking some time off now makes perfect sense, as it will allow him to get back to 100 percent health to help the team make their run down the stretch.
Since joining the Cubs, Kimbrel has been able to pitch in 14 games. In the 12.2 innings he has pitched, Kimbrel has compiled a 5.68 ERA, nine saves, and two blown saves. The ERA doesn't do him justice, as a few of the games he has pitched in drove that up much higher than his overall pitching has been.
Thankfully, it sounds like placing him on the injured list is simply a precautionary measure. Chicago cannot afford to go too long with Kimbrel.
Brandon Morrow appears to be making progress in his return from injury as well. Adding him to the bullpen will give the Cubs yet another boost. Come playoff time, the Cubs could have a very solid bullpen that will help them make a push in the National League.
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