When Craig Kimbrel saved Sunday’s game in St. Louis, he became the youngest pitcher to reach 150 saves for his career since saves became an official statistic in 1969, according to Stats Inc.
Kimbrel got there at 25 years and 355 days. The next youngest to do it was Francisco Rodriguez, now in town with the Brewers, who reached 150 saves at age 26 years and 98 days with the Angels in 2008.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez gave Kimbrel the lineup card from Sunday’s game afternoon, a pat on the rear end and a little encouragement.
“I said ‘Nice going,’” Gonzalez said and smiled. “’It’ll impress me when you save 150 more.’ No, good for him, good for this organization. I know he’s not into personal milestones. But it sure is nice to be able to reach that one.”
Kimbrel said he didn’t get the ball. They’re all being onto by the Braves clubhouse staff to be authenticated. Kimbrel needs four more saves to tie John Smoltz’s Braves franchise record.
“We’ve got bigger things to worry about, winning ballgames,” Kimbrel said. “I don’t really follow that too much or think about it.”
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