Corridor of Fame beginning pitcher and Baltimore Orioles legend Jim Palmer blasted MLB on social media on Monday morning for what he perceived to be an All-Star snub of O’s nearer Craig Kimbrel.
Palmer works as a coloration commentator for the Orioles on the Mid-Atlantic Sports activities Community (MASN) amongst different stations.
The previous three-time AL Cy Younger Award winner’s argument for Kimbrel is legitimate.
The 36-year-old just isn’t solely second within the AL in saves (tied for third in MLB) with 23 however has a 5-2 report with a miniscule 2.10 ERA and 0.90 WHIP as nicely. Kimbrel’s allowed simply eight earned runs on 17 hits with 52 strikeouts in opposition to 14 walks in 34 1/3 innings pitched over 38 outings.
The 2011 NL Rookie of the Yr has had a stellar profession with 9 All-Star honors, however his 2024 numbers are his greatest in years.
Kimbrel’s ERA and WHIP are each his lowest since 2017 and he has an opportunity of reaching his profession excessive of fifty saves, which he set in 2013.
There have been 4 AL closers chosen over Kimbrel, together with Cleveland Guardians stopper Emmanuel Clase, Texas Rangers veteran Kirby Yates and Oakland Athletics flamethrowing sensation Mason Miller. These three have been player-elected picks, nonetheless, whereas New York Yankees righthander Clay Holmes was a selection by the league.
Holmes broke out throughout his 2022 All-Star season and was stellar in 2023 as nicely. He was sensational to start 2024, not permitting an earned run by way of his first 20 outings till Could 20 and nonetheless held a 1.23 ERA on June 9.
Holmes has struggled mightily over his final seven outings, nonetheless, having been scored upon in 5 of the appearances (permitting two runs 4 occasions), as his ERA has shot as much as 3.00. He hasn’t recorded a save since June 9, whereas Kimbrel has racked up 9 stops and had only one blown save since then.
