Which Bullpen Duos Are Best at Finishing Games?
Jordan Walden and Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
| ERA | FIP | HD/SV | K/9 | WHIP | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Walden | 2.29 | 2.57 | 17/3 | 11.7 | 1.14 |
| 2 | Craig Kimbrel | 1.80 | 1.55 | 0/37 | 14.8 | 0.92 |
There's no shortage of velocity when these two take the mound in Atlanta. Jordan Walden brings some serious heat, throwing his 96.0 MPH heater about 64% of the time. Then he hands the ball to Craig Kimbrel, who average a fastball just one MPH harder, but he throws it over 71% of the time.
Since the start of July, they combined for five earned runs over 34.2 innings, giving the Braves a 1.32 ERA to turn to that duo. Kimbrel has struck out 26 batters in his last 16.2 innings of work and walked seven batters. Since August rolled around, he's only let up one run and converted all five of his save opportunities.
Kimbrel’s 37 saves trail only Francisco Rodriguez for the NL lead, and given Kimbrel’s recent pitching, he should be able to catch up to the Brewer closer.
