PT TOMORROW: AL East—Kimbrel’s health among division’s biggest questions

Boston Red Sox

One of the bigger concerns floating around the Red Sox is the health of the team’s closer, Craig Kimbrel (RHP, BOS), who had to be yanked from a save situation Aug. 9 after being unable to secure the final out and walking four batters.

Afterward, Kimbrel acknowledged that his left knee, on which he had surgery July 11 to repair a torn meniscus, was sore. Kimbrel had been expected to need three to six weeks to recover, but was back on the major league mound by Aug. 1, at the early end of that timeline.

Coming to the rescue in that Aug. 9 game was Matt Barnes (RHP, BOS) and his 96.8-mph average fastball, even though experienced closer Brad Ziegler (RHP, BOS) was available.

While Barnes got the job done, he was roughed up...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

CJ Kayfus had a bad night in left field on Sunday. Could it hurt his playing time going forward? Plus, a look at early lineups in CHW and DET, the closer situation in KC, and positional flexibility for the Twins C.J. Culpepper.
Apr 2 2026 3:05am
With Bryan Abreu's early season struggles, is there a change to be made at closer in Houston?
Apr 1 2026 3:05am
Jesús Sánchez (pictured) and Nathan Lukes are jockeying for at-bats in left field for Toronto. Plus, more fallout from the first weekend of action in 2026.
Mar 31 2026 3:05am
This week's NL West column answers the lineup questions we posed at the beginning of spring training.
Mar 28 2026 3:05am
Opportunities abound for young interesting players in the National League Central.
Mar 27 2026 3:05am

Tools