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

Royals closer Lucas Erceg has been a mess lately—who could the team turn to as a replacement? Plus, CHW outfield playing time outlook, hitting prospects learning new positions in CLE, the nearly-restored rotation in DET, and Royce Lewis tearing it up in Triple-A for the Twins.
Jun 4 2026 3:05am
Miami's rotation has sustained casualties and attrition, leaving a thinned-out platoon—and opportunity. Plus: Manaea at NYM; prospect SS in PHI; prospect SP in WAS; SS in ATL; more.
Jun 3 2026 10:15am
With Max Muncy returning from the IL, the A's will need to shuffle up the lineup, meaning Zack Gelof could be changing positions again.
Jun 3 2026 3:06am
We take a tour of NL West prospects with Ryan somewhere in their names and then use team-wide stats to look at why the Padres have had success while the Giants have struggled mightily.
Jun 2 2026 8:34pm

Tools