In an exciting development for the Red Sox, power closer Craig Kimbrel is ready to head back to Spring Training.
The Kimbrel family has been together in Boston while their infant daughter Lydia Joy undergoes the second heart surgery of her young life. She was born with heart defects and had her first surgery in November at just 4 days old.
In the meantime, Sox’s 9th-inning man has been training in Boston, keeping up with a regular throwing program in preparation for the regular season. New manager Alex Cora says the pitcher is “on schedule” and he expects Kimbrel will be ready for Opening Day, but that his daughter’s health is the obvious priority.
It’s incredibly impressive that Kimbrel is able to focus on his work at such a difficult time, but unsurprising; he is the latest in a long line of Red Sox players of good moral fiber with strong values.
Kimbrel was dominant on the mound last season, recording 35 saves with a 1.43 ERA and a win-loss record of 5-0.
This year, Boston will be #LydiaStrong for the Kimbrel family. We hope her health continues to improve!
Photo: Boston Globe
