The Toronto Blue Jays’ strategic decision to use closer Craig Kimbrel in the ninth inning proved to be a crucial factor in their recent victory over the New York Yankees. Kimbrel, who was acquired by the Blue Jays in a trade deadline deal with the Chicago Cubs, has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball over the past decade.

Manager Charlie Montoyo’s decision to bring in Kimbrel in the ninth inning with a one-run lead was a bold move, but one that ultimately paid off. Kimbrel, known for his high-velocity fastball and devastating breaking ball, was able to shut down the Yankees’ lineup and secure the win for the Blue Jays.

The use of Kimbrel in high-leverage situations like the ninth inning is a strategic move that many teams are now employing in order to maximize their chances of winning close games. By bringing in their best reliever in the most critical moments of the game, teams are able to increase their chances of holding onto a lead and securing a victory.

In this particular game, Kimbrel’s performance was especially impressive as he faced some of the Yankees’ best hitters and was able to keep them off balance with his arsenal of pitches. His ability to consistently throw strikes and generate swings and misses was key in securing the win for the Blue Jays.

Overall, the Blue Jays’ strategic use of Kimbrel in the ninth inning highlights the importance of having a dominant closer who can come in and shut down opposing lineups when it matters most. With Kimbrel anchoring their bullpen, the Blue Jays have a valuable weapon that can help them secure crucial victories down the stretch as they push for a playoff spot.