Craig Kimbrel Reaches A Historic Milestone

On May 28, 2023

On Friday, the Philadelphia Phillies took on the Atlanta Braves hoping to bounce back from their series opening loss on Thursday.

The Phillies did just that, edging out their NL East rivals and last year’s NLDS opponent by a final score of 6-4.

But it was more than just an ordinary win for the defending National League champions.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Phils turned to veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel hoping to close the door on the Braves.

Kimbrel kept his former club in check and recorded career save No. 400 as the Phillies bounced back and evened the series.

On Twitter, the Phillies posted a video of the final out to celebrate Kimbrel’s historic accomplishment.

Save No. 400 in the books pic.twitter.com/EFWNhaBGw1

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 27, 2023

Kimbrel is not the first former Brave to have recorded career save No. 400 at Truist Park this season.

Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen reached the historic milestone back on May 10.

But last night belonged to Kimbrel.

With a runner on first base and two outs, he got Ronald Acuna Jr. to hit a ground ball to third base, which Josh Harrison briefly bobbled.

However, Harrison recovered and delivered a strike to first base to end the game and secure the milestone for Kimbrel.

The veteran right-hander and former World Series champion shared a nice hug with catcher J.T. Realmuto after the final out was recorded.

Kimbrel is now the second closer this month to have secured their 400th career save as he helped the Phillies close out the Braves.

And Kimbrel accomplished the feat in the city where he rose to fame.