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Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers Battling for Kimbrel?

By Jake Mastroianni

ATLANTA - APRIL 14: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after a save against the Milwaukee Brewers at Turner Field on April 14, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - APRIL 14: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after a save against the Milwaukee Brewers at Turner Field on April 14, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 20: Corey  Knebel #46 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 20: Corey  Knebel #46 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Anyone Healthy Who Can Close a Game?

The Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers are in a similar situation as both of their candidates to close are dealing with injuries.

Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel both have closing experience with the Brewers, but each is dealing with injuries at the moment.

Jeffress is having some shoulder issues, while Knebel is battling an elbow injury.

The Brewers also have Josh Hader, but he’s been used more as a swingman to bridge the gap to either Jeffress or Knebel.

I’m sure he could fill in as the closer if needed, but I’m sure they’d rather keep him where he is considering he was the most dominant reliever in the game last year.

It’s unclear how long Jeffress or Knebel will be out, and the Brewers may not be willing to spend big bucks on Kimbrel if either of them will be back soon.

And just like the Braves, I can’t see the Brewers offering him a long-term deal.

As for the Braves, A.J. Minter and Arodys Vizcaino are the top two candidates to close.

Minter is currently injured and will start the season in the injured list.

Vizcaino is healthy … for the moment, but he has not looked good at all this Spring. He’ll start the season as the closer, but he’ll have to prove that he can stay healthy and effective.

The need is obvious for both teams, but will either team be willing to give Kimbrel what he wants?

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