MESA, Ariz. — It’s almost hard to believe Cubs reliever Craig Kimbrel started the 2020 season as poorly as he did. Despite being healthy, he just didn’t look like the pitcher the Cubs had signed to a three-year, $43 million deal the previous summer.
After a disappointing first season with the Cubs in 2019, Kimbrel began last season similarly. He allowed seven runs in his first four appearances and was demoted from his closer role. From Aug. 7 to Aug. 13, he didn’t make an appearance as the Cubs tried to get him back on track.
After that break, however, something was different.