The Red Sox closer has dealt with personal issues, but the situation is improving.
Craig Kimbrel is accustomed to dealing with pressure. As a closer for the Boston Red Sox, the heartbeat of the city is always on the line when you’re called upon to save the game. There aren’t many high-strung situations in baseball that Kimbrel isn’t used to.
However, when Kimbrel, 29, walked off the mound at the spring training facility in Fort Myers, FL
and left the team on Feb. 28, he was faced with a life-altering situation he’s never experienced.
According to Darren Hartwell of NESN, Kimbrel’s daughter was born with a heart defect.
"Kimbrel’s daughter, Lydia Joy, was born in November with a heart defect and underwent a medical procedure just a few days after she was born. That procedure went well, but Kimbrel noted in January that Lydia Joy would need a second surgery in spring training, which is scheduled for this week at Boston Children’s Hospital."
There’s aren’t many worse scenarios that a parent could go through. This isn’t just a nightmare inning where Kimbrel’s control abandons him and he’s taken out for being ineffective. This is a situation where he stands helpless, anxious and nervous about the health of his young daughter, who is being operated on at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Manager Alex Cora knows these things take time.
"“Whatever it takes. That’s more important than us,” Cora said after Tuesday night’s spring training game against the Minnesota Twins, via MassLive.com. “You guys know how I feel about my family, so whatever he needs, he’ll get, and we know he’ll be ready for the season.”"
The team has sported #LydriaStrong shirts during spring training, uniting and supporting Kimbrel during this difficult time. The turnout from the Red Sox players has been well represented.
Today we’re wearing #LydiaStrong shirts as we continue to keep the Kimbrel family and their daughter, Lydia, in our thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/eb2pifQGBh
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 11, 2018
Jen McCaffrey of Mass Live has reported Kimbrel’s daughter is improving. This is obviously terrific news, as we are all pulling for Lydia to make a full recovery. Her health comes first, Kimbrel’s life in baseball comes second.
Kimbrel has been working out away from the team during Lydia’s process, and will throw a live batting practice at Fenway today or tomorrow, per McCaffrey. Kimbrel has felt healthy and Cora believes he won’t miss any significant time.
"Cora told reporters they “comfortable with where he’s at” in terms of building up for the season and don’t anticipate him missing the start of the season because he has been away from the team."
If Kimbrel is not mentally ready for Opening Day, relievers Joe Kelly and Matt Barnes could step in as potential replacements. While both aren’t as rock-solid as Kimbrel, they have some experience closing games out. Kimbrel may be eager to rejoin the team, and the Red Sox are hoping he’ll be back soon, but he shouldn’t be rushed back until his daughter is fully healthy.
Next: Red Sox pitcher David Price impressive in first spring start
As Cora pointed out: Family first.