Craig Kimbrel (35-Philadelphia Phillies), sporting his distinctive “eagle” pitching form, reached the 400-save milestone in his career.
Kimbrel took the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning of the Phillies’ 6-4 win over the Atlanta Braves at Truiste Park in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., on Sunday.
After getting Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia to fly out to center field, Kimbrel gave up a single to Michael Harris II, but induced Ronald Acuña Jr. to ground out to third base to preserve the win.
Kimbrel earned his sixth save of the season and 400th of his career. Kimbrel, who made his big league debut in 2010, reached the milestone in his 14th season.
Kimbrel is the eighth player in MLB history to reach 400 career saves.
Legendary closer Mariano Rivera is the all-time leader in career saves with 652. Trevor Hoffman (601 saves), Lee Smith (478 saves), 스포츠토토 Francisco Rodriguez (437 saves), John Franco (424 saves), Billy Wagner (422 saves), and Kenley Jansen (Boston Red Sox – 401 saves) are the only other players ahead of Kimbrel with 400 or more career saves.
Kimbrel reached the 400-save milestone in his 730th career game, joining Rivera (697) and Hoffman (706) as the third-fastest players to reach the milestone.
Kimbrel, whose eagle-like stance is characterized by the way he spreads his arms from side to side when signing autographs with catchers before pitching, broke into the big leagues with Atlanta in 2010 and won the National League Rookie of the Year award the following year after posting a 2.10 ERA in 46 saves.
Kimbrel played in Atlanta until 2014, where he was a four-time All-Star and set a franchise record with 186 saves. He won four straight saves from 2011 to 2014. In 2013, he collected 50 saves.
Kimbrel went on to play for the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers before signing with the Phillies ahead of this season.
Kimbrel is 3-1 with a 5.68 ERA, six saves and three shutouts this season.
