Skip to content

VIDEO: Craig Kimbrel strikes out the side in Padres debut

Richard Mackson / USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

It really doesn't matter what uniform Craig Kimbrel wears. 

Despite being traded by the Atlanta Braves to San Diego on Sunday, the 26-year-old looked like his usual self Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, where he struck out all three batters he faced to close out his club's 7-3 victory over Los Angeles in his debut with the Padres.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Kimbrel, a four-time All-Star, began his tenure in San Diego in the most fitting manner, as only one other reliever - Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman - boasts a higher strikeout rate over the last five seasons. Last season, in fact, Kimbrel tallied 10 outings in which he recorded all three outs via strikeout.

Though he's spent his entire career in Atlanta since being drafted by the Braves in 2008, Kimbrel remains excited to join a team that has undergone a profound transformation over the last few months.

"You can tell this organization is going after it, it's not a few-years deal, it's right now. As a player, that's exciting," Kimbrel told MLB.com's Corey Brock. "You don't know how long you're going to play this game."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox