Phillies add bullpen depth with former elite closer Kimbrel

By: The Associated Press Posted: 1:36 PM CST Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies signed reliever Craig Kimbrel to a one-year contract, hoping the onetime elite closer can become a quality arm out of the bullpen.

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies signed reliever Craig Kimbrel to a one-year contract, hoping the onetime elite closer can become a quality arm out of the bullpen.

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This article was published 04/01/2023 (1330 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies signed reliever Craig Kimbrel to a one-year contract, hoping the onetime elite closer can become a quality arm out of the bullpen.

An eight-time All-Star, Kimbrel has 394 career saves, which is most among all active pitchers and ranks seventh on the career list. Kimbrel struggled last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and was left off the postseason roster.

He had 22 saves in 27 chances last season with the Dodgers. Kimbrel appeared in 63 games for the Dodgers and posted a 3.75 ERA.

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to the plate during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, May 13, 2022, in Los Angeles. The Philadelphia Phillies signed reliever Craig Kimbrel to a one-year contract, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, hoping the one-time elite closer can simply become a quality arm out of the bullpen. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

Perhaps a change of scenery can help the 34-year-old Kimbrel rediscover his form with the National League champions. He has gone 15 for 15 in save opportunities at Citizens Bank Park, where all 21 of his appearances have been scoreless.

A 2018 World Series champion with Boston, Kimbrel won the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2011 with Atlanta. He has pitched 13 seasons in the majors for six teams.

The Phillies also acquired right-handed pitcher Erich Uelmen from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash.

The 26-year-old Uelmen pitched in 25 games with the Cubs in 2022, finishing eight of them. He posted a 4.67 ERA, including a 2.84 mark in 23 of his 25 appearances during his first major league season.