Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel injures knee, out 3-6 weeks
Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was already looking to shore up his beleaguered bullpen when closer Craig Kimbrel was hurt shagging flyballs.
Suddenly, Dombrowski had another big hole to fill.
And he did.
The Red Sox acquired Arizona closer Brad Ziegler early Saturday, hours after learning Kimbrel would likely be sidelined for three-to-six weeks with an injured left knee. He was hurt during BP before Friday’s win over Tampa Bay.
“I took a step for a groundball, heard a pop and didn’t really think it was anything serious,” Kimbrel said in the dugout about 75 minutes before Boston’s game against Tampa Bay.
Kimbrel is expected to have surgery Monday for a medial meniscus tear.
“It’s something we’ve been looking to do, try to add to our bullpen for an extended period,” Dombrowski said. “We went back and forth numerous times, then finally agreed to the deal, really right toward the end of (our) game, during the game.”
Kimbrel is 1-3 with a 3.55 ERA and 17 saves in 19 chances.
“I think that’s the one thing Dave has proven over the course of his career, the proactive-ness or recognizing what our current needs are and being able to anticipate what we’ll need when we go forward,” Boston manager John Farrell said before Boston’s game against the Rays.
Boston acquired Ziegler for two minor leaguers. The 36-year-old right-hander was 2-3 with a 2.82 ERA and 18 saves in 20 opportunities for the Diamondbacks.
Farrell said Ziegler would share the closing duties with 41-year-old right-hander Koji Uehara, who got the save Friday despite allowing a solo homer to Evan Longoria.
Farrell said the team spoke with Ziegler about 1:30 a.m. after Arizona’s game ended in San Francisco.
“We briefly discussed how things are going to shape up,” Farrell said.
Tyler Olson claimed by Cleveland
The Cleveland Indians claimed LHP Tyler Olson (Gonzaga University/University High) off waivers from the Kansas City Royals and will be sent to Triple-A Columbus. Olson was designated for assignment by the Royals on July 5.
Clearing the bases
The Texas Rangers promoted well-traveled pitcher Kyle Lohse from Triple-A and will start him right away against Minnesota. … Chicago White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon was added to the 15-day disabled list, after tripping out of the dugout, tripping and spraining his left wrist while bracing his fall against Atlanta on Friday … Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez was picked to replace injured Boston closer Craig Kimbrel on the AL All-Star team. … San Diego pitcher Drew Pomeranz and outfielders Starling Marte of Pittsburgh and Jay Bruce of Cincinnati have been added to the NL All-Star team as injury replacements.