Dodgers leave Kimbrel off NLDS roster
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Tuesday they omitted right-hander Craig Kimbrel from their National League Division Series roster.
The eight-time All-Star posted a 3.75 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 22 saves over 63 appearances in his first campaign with the Dodgers. However, he lost his closing job in September.
"It was a tough conversation. … it's been an inconsistent year for him. We just have other guys who match up better," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, according to Orange County Register of Bill Plunkett.
Roberts added that Kimbrel could be an option if the Dodgers get to the National League Championship Series, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.
Kimbrel was acquired from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for outfielder AJ Pollock during the offseason.
The 34-year-old Kimbrel owns a career 2.31 ERA with 14.4 K/9 and 394 saves over 13 years in the majors split between the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, White Sox, and Dodgers. He's eligible to become a free agent after the World Series.
Los Angeles' bullpen will include Brusdar Graterol, Yency Almonte, Tommy Kahnle, Chris Martin, Dustin May, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, and Andrew Heaney.