Los Angeles Dodgers: Storm clouds gathering around Craig Kimbrel

There were plenty of questions surrounding Craig Kimbrel as the trade deadline approaches. The Los Angeles Dodgers closer is still entrenched in his position but it may be fair to wonder how much longer that is going to be the case.

His performance on Friday night did not help. While the Dodgers held on for the 5-4 victory over the Rockies, Kimbrel notched that save by the skin of his teeth. He allowed two runs on three hits and a walk in that inning, throwing 29 pitches to record the final three outs.

Los Angeles Dodgers may need Craig Kimbrel backup plan

That furthers what has been a rough month for Kimbrel. He has allowed six runs on 13 hits and three walks in his ten innings, striking out 11 batters. While he has only one blown save in that time frame, he has not exactly been lights out.

It is something that the Dodgers are aware of as well. As Dave Roberts said following Friday’s game, performance matters, especially at the end of the game. He also noted that while Kimbrel is their closer, he needs to work on being more efficient and effective. That is hardly a ringing endorsement.

One can question as to how much of these struggles are his fault. Kimbrel does have a 2.01 FIP for the year and has allowed a .402 batting average on balls in play thus far in 2022. His defense has clearly let him down.

But at some point, he has to overcome those issues. Kimbrel needs to record those final three outs regardless of what is happening behind him. His struggles to do so could impact the Dodgers’ trade deadline plans, leading to a more impactful acquisition for the bullpen than Chris Martin. It would not be a surprise to see them add a reliever with closing experience at the deadline. Someone such as David Robertson could be a more important target now.

Craig Kimbrel has had his struggles this year for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Dave Roberts’ comments show that they may want a backup plan.