The Boston Red Sox lost their closer on Saturday, as Craig Kimbrel will need surgery to repair cartilage in his left knee. He is expected out 3-6 weeks.
Newly minted All-Star Craig Kimbrel will not be available to pitch in the Midsummer Classic, or at all for the next 3-6 weeks, as the Boston Red Sox closer will have surgery on Monday. During pregame warmups on Friday, Kimbrel tweaked his knee, and then had an MRI to see the damage.
The result was a medial meniscus tear, and he will require surgery to repair it. The Red Sox placed him on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday and now will have to piece together the back end of their bullpen.
Craig Kimbrel to have surgery to repair cartilage in left knee. Out 3-6 weeks
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) July 9, 2016
For Kimbrel, it has been an up and down season, and his numbers do not reflect an All-Star. In 34 appearances, Kimbrel has posted a 3.55 earned run average and has nailed down 17 saves. He is one of six Red Sox to be named to the American League All-Star team.
Also on Saturday, the Red Sox made a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks for relief pitcher Brad Ziegler. Ziegler was told about the move in the seventh inning of Friday’s 6-2 loss to the Giants at AT&T Park. He should compete for time as the Red Sox closer for the next few weeks.
On the season, Ziegler has notched 18 saves for the Diamondbacks, who are basically out of the division race in the National League West. He has a better ERA than Kimbrel (2.82), and his sidewinding action will be tough for American League players who have not seen him this year.
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