Padres Players of the Week

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Apr 10, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel (46) pitches during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Pitcher of the Week

Craig Kimbrel

This may prove to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, acquisition of the off season. Joaquin Benoit seemed to be a serviceable closer, but the Padres needed more than a serviceable closer. They needed a proven closer with “closer” stuff. Kimbrel fit the bill perfectly and he hasn’t disappointed.

His first appearance with the Friars came in the second game against the Dodgers, but not in a save situation. With the Padres up 7-3, Kimbrel came in and absolutely blew away the three Dodger hitters he faced. It wasn’t even close.

He also impressed in his second appearance, which also was not a save. In a 0-0 game in the top of the ninth during the Friars home opener. After surrendering a lead off triple to the newest San Diego fan-favorite villain, Angel Pagan, he didn’t let Pagan score. He pitched out of a tough jam to give the Padres a chance in the bottom of the inning.

He finally got the chance to close a game and earn a save on Friday night when the Padres squeaked out a 1-0 win. He earned his second save on Sunday afternoon, closing a 6-4 win to end the week. In four appearances, he has two saves, four strikeouts and zero earned runs.

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