Kimbrel will be deployed in non-save situations this season, per manager Alex Cora, Jen McCaffrey of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cora explained his philosophy is to use his best reliever in the most important part of the game, whether that be the seventh, eighth or ninth inning. What constitutes as the 'most important' part of the game will change from game to game, but the manager doesn't feel it will cost Kimbrel too many saves. "People think it's a big adjustment. If you start looking at the numbers you don't lose too many saves if it's the way you want to use him," Cora said. "We're not talking about the lower third of the lineup. We're talking the middle of the lineup, eighth inning, certain situations. What I feel is game-on-the-line." Kimbrel had been off-the-charts bad in non-save situations in 2016 (5.12 ERA 14 BB, 19.1 IP), but improved dramatically last season when he posted a 0.64 ERA over 28 innings when a game was not on the line.

Kimbrel will stay with the Red Sox in 2018 after the club picked up his $13 million option Thursday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

The closer will remain in Boston for at least another year after posting a 1.43 ERA and 0.68 WHIP over 69 innings in the 2017 regular season. Chris Sale's option was also picked up by the team Thursday, as the Red Sox begin preparing for the 2018 campaign.

Kimbrel allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday against the Astros in a non-save situation.

EDGE Analysis

The star closer hadn't pitched in a game for five days, so the Red Sox opted to use him in an effort to keep the team just one run behind. Kimbrel did need 15 pitches (11 strikes) to complete the frame, but it likely won't jeopardize his availability for Saturday's contest if a save situation arises. He now holds a 1.32 ERA and an absurd 16.3 K/9 on the season to go with his 35 saves.

Kimbrel struck out one in a clean inning of work to earn his 35th save of the season Sunday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel pumped in 11 of 17 pitches for strikes as he comfortably retired the side in order. He's thrown 11 straight scoreless outings to lower his ERA to a stellar 1.34, in addition to a remarkable 16.4 K/9.

Kimbrel pitched a scoreless inning on one hit to earn his 34th save of the season Friday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel was protecting a one-run lead, and despite giving up a hit, was able to close out the contest on just eight pitches. With a microscopic 1.36 ERA on the season, he continues to be one of the elite closers in the majors.

Kimbrel struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning to extend Tuesday's game into extra innings where Boston eventually defeated Baltimore, 1-0.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel has been used two consecutive nights in the same non-save situation: the ninth inning of a tied game. Overall, he's pitched five times in the last six days, so it wouldn't be surprising if the gets a night off in the series finale Wednesday.

Kimbrel struck out two batters in a clean ninth frame to earn his 33rd save of the season Saturday against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel needed just 12 pitches to put the Rays down in order en route to converting his first save opportunity in over two weeks. Despite the lack of save chances, he's still strung together seven consecutive scoreless appearances, striking out 16 batters and allowing just five baserunners over seven innings during that stretch. He continues to be one of the most reliable relievers in the game, as evidenced by his 1.43 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and a 119:14 K:BB through 63 innings this season.

Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to collect his 32nd save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

It's been a month since his last blown save, as Kimbrel continues to put together one of the most dominant seasons of his already impressive career. While most of the focus naturally goes towards his 16.4 K/9, it's actually been his control that's set this campaign apart for the 29-year-old -- after stumbling to a 5.1 BB/9 last year, he's dialed up a career-best 1.7 mark in 2017.

Kimbrel struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 31st save Tuesday against Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

It took him 22 pitches (17 strikes), which is a lot for a flawless inning, but it's hard to argue with the results. Kimbrel still looked good in bouncing back from Monday's rare bad outing, turning in his 11th scoreless effort in his last 12 appearances and continuing to polish his stats in what's been one of the most incredible seasons of his illustrious career.

Kimbrel picked up his 30th save despite allowing two runs on a hit and two walks Monday against Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

This was the first time Kimbrel had allowed a run in 10 appearances dating back to August 1. His wildness almost cost him, as he walked a batter before a Justin Smoak home run and then put the tying run on base with another walk, but he managed to escape without any further damage. Despite the rare homer, Kimbrel still has a 1.61 ERA on the season.