Kimbrel struck out one and didn't permit a hit to earn his ninth save of the season in Tuesday's 5-2 win over Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

So far in 2017, Kimbrel has managed to avoid the control issues that dogged him last season. He's thrown 67 percent of his pitches for strikes this season compared to 61 percent in 2016. In 12.1 innings, the flame-throwing right-hander has walked two, both coming in a scary save April 9 against Detroit that revived memories of his adventures last season.

Kimbrel retired the side in order in a non-save opportunity in Sunday's 6-2 win over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel began warming up in the bottom of the eighth inning of a tied game while the seeds of a Boston rally were planted. As it turned out, the rally produced four runs, obviating the need for a save. Since he was warmed up, manager John Farrell had him close out the game. Kimbrel was not very good in non-save situations in 2016, posting a 5.12 ERA with 14 walks in 22 games, but there's been no such calamities during his two non-save opportunities in 2017.

Kimbrel allowed a hit and struck out the side in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to pick up his eighth save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The strikeouts are coming in bunches once again for Kimbrel, who now has a ridiculous 20:2 K:BB through 10.1 innings to go along with a 1.74 ERA and 0.68 WHIP. The 28-year-old had looked almost human at times over the prior two seasons, but so far in 2017 Kimbrel seems to have returned to the form he showed in Atlanta that made him arguably the best fantasy closer in the league.

Kimbrel came on to get the final out to notch his seventh save in Boston's 6-2 win over Baltimore on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Fernando Abad had been brought in to finish off what looked like an easy win but was tagged for three hits and a run before Kimbrel ended matters getting the dangerous Manny Machcado to pop up. Kimbrel has not generated any tense moments for Boston since his scary save April 9 in Detroit. The right-hander has struck out 12 and walked none over his last 6.1 innings.

Kimbrel allowed a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning but was bailed out by his offense and collected his first win of the season with a scoreless 10th inning.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel also stuck out five Blue Jays over the two innings, so while it's unfortunate he blew the save opportunity, it was still a solid fantasy output. It wasn't as if he was going to go all season without allowing a run, either. Sporting a 2.00 ERA with six saves, a win and 17 strikeouts through nine innings, Kimbrel is off to an impressive start.

Kimbrel struck out three consecutive batters on just 15 pitches to collect his sixth save of the season during Monday's win over Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran closer has allowed just three hits and two walks through seven innings while fanning 12 batters, and after Monday's spotless outing, Kimbrel's ERA is down to 1.29. After pitching three consecutive days, it's unlikely the hard-throwing righty takes the mound Tuesday against Toronto.

Kimbrel struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning to earn his fifth save of the year in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel has picked up saves on back-to-back days now while working two innings and fanning four. He's now perfect in five save chances to start the year, and his only run allowed came during a non-save situation. The hard-throwing right-hander can have control problems at times, but he's also one of the most dominant and elite closers in the game. Boston could choose to rest Kimbrel on Monday after he's appeared on back-to-back days.

Kimbrel pitched a perfect inning while recording a pair of strikeouts to earnhis fourth save Saturday against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel was given a one-run lead to protect for Chris Sale, but he was able to close out the contest without an ounce of drama. He successfully converted each of his four save opportunities this season, and the only run he allowed was in a non-save situation. He'll continue to be valued as one of the top closers in the game.

Kimbrel collected his third save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning during Thursday's win over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel allowed a single but was otherwise spotless and needed just 16 pitches to secure the win. He was shaky in previous appearance and allowed three base runners and a run before collecting the save, so Thursday's tidy outing was relieving. With Boston set to pile up the wins, Kimbrel projects to have another solid campaign.

Kimbrel allowed one run on a hit and two walks but was able to strike out the side en route to his second save of the season Sunday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel walked the first two men he faced and yielded a run on Victor Martinez's single, but he was able to buckle down and fanned the final two hitters to escape the jam. He had allowed just one baserunner in his previous two appearances and should move past this hiccup rather quickly as he continues what should be another strong campaign.