The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed their void at closer on Friday by completing a trade to acquire Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for AJ Pollock.
Kimbrel joins the Dodgers after spending last season with the Chicago Cubs and White Sox. He went a combined 4-5 with 24 saves, earned an eighth career All-Star Game selection and posted a 42.6% strikeout rate that was third-best in the Majors.
However, Kimbrel had most of his success with the Cubs. After being traded to the White Sox, he went 2-2 with one save, a 5.09 ERA, 4.56 FIP and 1.22 WHIP over 24 games while being used in front of closer Liam Hendriks.
Logistically, Kimbrel joining the Dodgers for Spring Training, and Pollock reporting to the White Sox, was easy as both players simply had to travel to the other side of the Camelback Ranch facility.
Thus, Kimbrel was able to participate in a workout with the Dodgers on their off day, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Newest #Dodgers has made the long journey from the other side of CBR pic.twitter.com/KuSMXyAKae
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 1, 2022
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had previously revealed the team had planned an intrasquad game for Friday and after that several regulars would begin making their way back to Southern California. The Dodgers face the San Francisco Giants in their Cactus League finale on Saturday.
Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to start in what will be his final Spring Training tuneup.
How Kimbrel trade impacts Dodgers bullpen
After Kenley Jansen signed a one-year, $16 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, Roberts said the Dodgers would rely on multiple pitchers in save situations. The club remained hesitant to anoint Blake Treinen the new closer because of his versatility in a fireman role.
The Kimbrel trade allows the Dodgers to keep Treinen for any high-leverage situation, and also rotate through the likes Phil Bickford, Brusdar Graterol, Daniel Hudson and Alex Vesia in late-game situations.
Kimbrel is in the final year of his contract and like Jansen is earning a $16 million salary.
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