Craig Kimbrel made his 2019 debut, pitching a perfect inning for the Iowa Cubs in Sacramento Tuesday afternoon. It was his first game action since pitching in the 2018 World Series for the Red Sox. Last week he pitched in two batting practice sessions.
Kimbrel doesn't know when he'll join the Cubs bullpen, but if the plan is to have him throw back-to-back days on the weekend, then that could be the last step before returning to the big leagues.
Iowa Cubs beat reporter Tommy Birch is hearing that Kimbrel could be pitching on Friday and Saturday.
But again, no plan has officially been made public by the team. As for Kimbrel, he's more focused on how he feels rather the number of times he pitches for Iowa before he's ready.
Via Tommy Birch.
“It’s more about feel than it is putting a number on appearances,” Kimbrel said. “Once I get that feeling and feel comfortable with where I am, then we’ll go from there.”
The good news for Kimbrel and the Cubs, who have needed help in the back end of their bullpen for Iowa: The star is well on his way back to the big leagues.
“They’re progressing,” Kimbrel said. “I’m definitely on a good track right now. Everything is going to plan and we’ll keep doing this and it won’t be too long.”
The Cubs begin a four-game series on Monday against the Braves at Wrigley Field.
Kimbrel pitched a 1-2-3 inning Tuesday, throwing eight pitches, six for strikes. He ended the outing with a strikeout, while hitting 96mph with his fastball.
If all goes well this weekend in Iowa, expect Kimbrel to be pitching at Wrigley Field by early next week.
UPDATE
Kimbrel will pitch on Friday.
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