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Boston fans may be hard to win over, especially when the first impression isn’t the best, but Craig Kimbrel is doing everything he can to build a new legacy with the Red Sox. Most recently, earning American League Reliever of the Month honors for May.
After a disappointing 2016 season the Kimbrel of legend who dominated the National League is back and shutting down batter after batter. After an April where the closer gave up just two earned runs, Kimbrel kicked it up a notch: 12 appearances, 41 batters faced, 25 (!!) strikeouts against just one walk, and no runs allowed. He also only allowed one hit! So two batters who faced Craig Kimbrel in May reached base.
Seven saves, no runs.
On the season, he’s struck out 54.2% of the batters he’s faced. That’s his highest strikeout rate since 2012. We’re watching something special happen here.
At this rate he’s headed to the All-Star Game for sure.
What do you call a man with 7 saves & a 0.00 ERA in May?
— #VoteRedSox (@RedSox) June 2, 2017
You call him @kimbrel46, AL Reliever of the Month! pic.twitter.com/RoDoOmTbu5