With Kimbrel working on issues, Cubs eye other save options

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross is working out how he plans to handle save situations while struggling closer Craig Kimbrel works on his mechanics.

Ross was noncommittal when asked Saturday if he would give the ball to Kimbrel for the ninth inning if the Cubs had a one-run lead. Sure enough, the Cubs then had a 4-3 lead with two outs in the ninth Saturday against Pittsburgh and Rowan Wick finished for his first save of the year.

Kimbrel struggled in his first two appearances this year and also had a tough time last season with Chicago. “He’s frustrated. He wants to work through it. He wants to be better,” Ross said, “and so we’re here to help him and continue to move forward. We need him to be good if we’re going to have a lot of success.”

It’s a tough situation for Ross, who took over as manager in October. He played alongside Kimbrel while the two were in Atlanta. Kimbrel, 32, is a key member of Chicago’s bullpen, but the pandemic-shortened season is quite unforgiving at just 60 games.

“I think the relationship that we’ve had helps with the conversations we’ve had lately,” Ross said.“I think he has a lot of trust in me. I have a lot of trust in him. We communicate well. We’ll continue to do that as we move through these things.”

If Ross decides to give Kimbrel some space, he could have Jeremy Jeffress take some save opportunities. Jeffress, who signed an $850,000, one-year contract with Chicago in free agency, has 45 saves in 11 MLB seasons. He entered in the seventh Saturday and got four outs in the victory.