Roberts: Craig Kimbrel still Dodgers' closer amid struggles

May 30, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) reacts following the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says Craig Kimbrel is team's closer amid struggles

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 6/19/22

Craig Kimbrel’s struggles resurfaced Sunday as the Los Angeles Dodgers face new questions about their closer’s job security.

Kimbrel took over in the ninth inning of a 3-3 game on Sunday against Cleveland. He proceeded to allow two runs on two hits and two walks, with the Guardians ultimately winning 5-3. Kimbrel has now allowed 10 earned runs in his last 12.1 innings dating back to May 16, raising questions about his performance.

Manager Dave Roberts had to answer those questions after the game, but he affirmed that Kimbrel remains his closer for the time being.

#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on the closer role: “Craig is our closer.”

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) June 19, 2022

It would certainly be fair to question whether this will last. The Dodgers expect to contend for a title, and they had grown used to having Kenley Jansen’s reliability at the back end of their bullpen. Kimbrel, at least so far, has not been as steady.

Kimbrel’s issues date back to 2021, when a midseason trade to the Chicago White Sox marked the beginning of a rough few months. Kimbrel seemed thrilled to be moving to the Dodgers, but things don’t seem to be working out there either.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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