Braves’ Craig Kimbrel selected as ‘Delivery Man of the Year’

Sep 27, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) pitches in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. The Braves won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel has been selected as this year’s recipient of the ‘Delivery Man of the Year’ award, handed out to Major League Baseball’s top reliever.

.@Braves closer @kimbrel46 - who led NL with a career-high 50 saves - wins 2013 @MLB Delivery Man of the Year Award. pic.twitter.com/55hdxd7GEw
— MLB (@MLB) November 21, 2013

Kimbrel held opponents to a .166 batting average while posting a 1.21 ERA and converted 50 out of 54 save opportunities, which led the league in 2013.

The 25-year-old stopper completed his 4^th season in MLB this year, and his third as the full-time closer. Kimbrel had 42 saves in 2012 and 46 in 2011 while sporting a sterling career ERA of 1.39.

Via the Atlanta Constitution-Journal’s David O’Brien:

"The Huntsville, Ala., native tied for the major league saves lead and became the 11th different pitcher to collect 50 saves in a season and the youngest (25) to accomplish the feat. The only other Braves pitcher to have a 50-save season was John Smoltz, who set a then-National League record with 55 in 2002."

Kimbrel, the 2011 National League Rookie of the Year and three time All-Star, was also selected as the 2012 NL Rolaids Relief award winner.

Past winners of the ‘Delivery Man’ honors, starting in 2005 include: Mariano Rivera in 2005-06, Jonathan Papelbon, Brad Lidge, Rivera, Heath Bell, Jose Valverde and Fernando Rodney, respectively.