Craig Kimbrel sounded so relieved by trade to Dodgers

Craig Kimbrel struggled during his brief stint with the Chicago White Sox, and he is definitely embracing the trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers acquired Kimbrel on Friday in a blockbuster trade with Chicago. The veteran will reclaim his role as a closer, replacing the departed Kenley Jansen in that role.

In an interview with SportsNet LA, Kimbrel maintained that he was happy to pitch in any role, but did sound quite pleased to be reclaiming the ninth inning on a contending team.

"I don't think I can be any happier. You come over to a team like this that already expects to win… It feels really nice." Newest member of the #Dodgers, Craig Kimbrel on the trade and his excitement to join the Boys in Blue. pic.twitter.com/TVln6SzlhS

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 1, 2022

“I don’t think I can be any happier,” Kimbrel said. “You come over to a team like this that already expects to win. I only have to come in and just do my job. It feels really nice.”

Kimbrel was a much-heralded addition for the White Sox last season, but the trade actually seemed to destabilize Chicago’s bullpen for a period of time. Kimbrel struggled to the tune of a 5.09 ERA in his setup role, leading many to speculate that he was uncomfortable adapting after closing for the bulk of his career.

The Dodgers will simply ask Kimbrel to close as he always has. As he said, all they need is for him to do his job, and it is a job he’s used to.

Photo: Aug 23, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) reacts as he leaves the field after giving up the winning run against the Toronto Blue Jays on a wild pitch in the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports