MLB Weekly Digest May 29th Edition: Craig Kimbrel Joins Elite List

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The prior week in MLB was about a reliever in the National League making history, a starting pitcher in the American League continuing a spectacular start, and a team releasing an outfielder.

Philadelphia Phillies Craig Kimbrel Becomes Eighth Reliever to Record 400 Saves

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Craig Kimbrel made history a couple of days ago against his former club, the Atlanta Braves.

Kimbrel became the eighth reliever in MLB history to record 400 saves.

He started his career with the Braves and accumulated 186 of his 400 saves with the club.

The eight relievers on this exclusive list are Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith, Francisco Rodriguez, John Franco, Billy Wagner, Kenley Jansen, and Kimbrel.

Kimbrel is one of four relievers to have 400 saves in fewer than 800 appearances, joining Rivera (697), Hoffman (706), and Jansen (778).

In 14 MLB seasons, Kimbrel has pitched for the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Braves.

He has compiled a 2.41 ERA and 2.40 FIP in 730 appearances.

He won the National League Rookie of the Year with the Braves in 2011.

He led the NL in saves in each season from 2011-14.

The best season for Kimbrel came in the 2011 season.

He posted a microscopic 1.01 ERA in 62 2/3 innings pitched (63 games) with 42 saves, 116 strikeouts, 14 walks issued, three home runs allowed, a 399 ERA+, 0.78 FIP, and a 0.65 WHIP.

Kimbrel has had a fantastic career closing game and will end up in Cooperstown when he becomes eligible upon retiring.

Seattle Mariners Starting Pitcher Bryce Miller Continues Spectacular Start

Seattle Mariners Bryce Miller has been a revelation in the starting rotation for the Mariners and continued rolling in his last outing.

The right-handed pitcher tossed six scoreless innings, yielding two hits to the Oakland Athletics.

Miller has pitched at least six innings in each of his five starts and is the first pitcher since at least 1901 to throw at least six innings and allow four or fewer hits in each of his first five appearances, per Sarah Langs of MLB.com.

Miller has compiled a 1.15 ERA in 31 1/3 innings pitched with 28 strikeouts, three walks surrendered, zero home runs allowed, a 1.88 FIP, and a 0.51 WHIP.

Since the Mariners lost starting pitcher Robbie Ray for the season, Miller has taken advantage of the opportunity presented and benefited the Mariners.

New York Yankees Release Outfielder Aaron Hicks, Still Owe $27.6 Million

The New York Yankees released outfielder Aaron Hicks a couple of days ago from a contract with more than two-and-a-half seasons left.

Hicks was designated for assignment by the Yankees last Saturday.

When Hicks was released, he was still owed $27.6 million.

There is the $7.6 million for the remainder of this year’s $10.5 million salary, including salaries of $9.5 million in each of the next two seasons and a $1 million buyout of a 2026 team option.

A club can sign Hicks for a prorated share of the $720,000 major league minimum.

Hicks was abysmal for the Yankees this season as he authored a .188 batting average with one home run and five RBIs in 28 games.

The outfielder had signed a seven-year, $70-million contract with the Yankees in February 2019 but dealt with injuries since signing the contract.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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