Craig Kimbrel needed a strong throw home by Jason Heyward to get out of a bases-loaded jam unscathed in his second outing of spring training Monday against the Mets, but two outings into spring training, the Braves closer knows he’s got plenty of time to iron a few things out.
On the same day a year ago — March 3 — Kimbrel left Braves camp for the World Baseball Classic, which he called a great experience, but it disrupted his normal routine. Kimbrel wound up giving up six runs in eight innings in Grapefruit League play, walking seven in his eight outings. He had amped up his spring routine, so he was opening-day ready two weeks before the regular season.
While he was still dominant early last season, he wasn’t as pin-point accurate as he had been in 2012.
“I felt a little rushed last year,” said Kimbrel, who has pitched two scoreless innings so far. “And this year is more laid back. I can fine tune some things a little smoother, not having to jump on it as quick. Obviously I’ve got a lot of stuff I’ve got to work on between now and my next appearance, but right now the most important thing is just making sure you’re healthy and be ready to go your last couple appearances.”
Working the fifth inning against the Mets, Kimbrel gave up a leadoff single to Zach Lutz, hit a batter and then loaded the bases by bobbling a comebacker to the mound for an error. But he struck out Chris Young and got a flyball from Juan Lagares, which Heyward turned into a double play by gunning down Lutz at the plate.
“I was working more side to side, more rotational than up and down like I normally do,” Kimbrel said. “That’s why my offspeed wasn’t very good today. It was kind of up in the zone, kind of cutting across instead of down. Little things I need to work on.”
Garcia, Schlosser impress: Until a five-run ninth inning in a 6-2 loss to the Mets, all of them charged to Atahualpa Severino, the Braves had a lot to be happy with from the pitching staff. Freddy Garcia pitched three more scoreless innings in his second start to remain perfect over five innings. He has not allowed a baserunner this spring while striking out five.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez commended Garcia, Kimbrel, and Jordan Walden but made a point to single out non-roster invitee Gus Schlosser, who threw two scoreless innings to give him three shutout innings overall.
“Schlosser was really, really impressive,” Gonzalez said. “Every time you run him out there, he does a hell of a job and all of a sudden, you (consider him).”
The Braves have at least one bullpen spot up for grabs and Schlosser, the Mississippi Braves’ pitcher of the year in Double-A last year, has been the first to really catch Gonzalez’s eye.
“We’ll see what happens,” Gonzalez said. “It’s still a long spring but he’s been really, really impressive.”
Garcia may end up claiming a bullpen spot as well, but continues to impress in his bid for the fifth starter’s spot.
“I don’t want to take anything for granted. I want to show up and pitch and get people out,” said Garcia, who said he’s amenable to a bullpen role, if Alex Wood wins the last starting job. “It doesn’t matter for me. If I’ll be on the team, that’s all that matters.”
Garcia’s fastball topped out at 87 mph, which was a study in contrast to his counterpart, Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard, the next hot hard-throwing Mets prospect on the cusp of the major leagues. Syndergaard was throwing mid- to upper-90s, topping out at 98 mph on a fastball to strike out Heyward to lead off the first inning.
“Gasolina,” said Garcia, smiling, when asked about Syndergaard’s fastball.
Injury updates: Wednesday will be a busy day for Braves pitchers making comebacks from injuries. Gavin Floyd is scheduled to face hitters in live batting practice for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May while with the White Sox. Also scheduled to throw live batting practice for the first time this spring is Luis Vasquez (strained latissimus muscle), the dynamic sidearmer signed as a minor league free agent from the Dominican Republic.
Mike Minor is scheduled to throw his first bullpen, after his progress was delayed by a surgical procedure on his uninary tract. Jonny Venters will also throw off the mound for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May.
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