Kimbrel is unavailable out of the bullpen Friday after pitching in three straight games, the Providence Journal's Brian MacPherson reports.

EDGE Analysis

He has a 14-inning scoreless streak going, notching 11 saves and 23 strikeouts over that span. Brad Ziegler figures to get the ball in a save situation Friday.

Kimbrel closed out the Orioles on Thursday, striking out two in one inning to pick up his 29th save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel is 12-for-12 in save opportunities since returning from the disabled list and made it 16 straight outings of not allowing a run. There was a two-week drought at the end of August / beginning of September when the bullpen was blowing up regularly in high-leverage situations, but the return of Koji Uehara has solidified the bridge to Kimbrel, who has five saves in the last week.

Kimbrel nailed down his 28th save Tuesday in Baltimore, allowing one walk while striking out one in a hitless inning of work.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel hasn't given up a single hit in his last five appearances, and hasn't allowed an earned run since Aug. 9. He's about as reliable as it gets in the ninth inning.

Kimbrel notched his 27th save by striking out all four batters he faced over 1.1 innings in Saturday's 6-5 victory over the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

The dominant closer came on with two out in the eighth and immediately mowed down Chase Headley with Didi Gregorius on first. Kimbrel then came back in the ninth to dispose of Andrew Romine, Mason Williams and Brett Gardner for his 13th consecutive scoreless outing. Kimbrel has successfully converted all eight of his save opportunities over that span while lowering his ERA from 3.50 to 2.66.

Kimbrel picked up his 26th save Friday against the Yankees, striking out the only two batters he faced.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel was called upon to salvage the ninth inning after Fernando Abad ran into trouble, and he quickly dispatched Jacoby Ellsbury and Gary Sanchez on strikes to quash the rally. He's allowed just one run and four hits over his last 10 appearances, and has fanned 13 over that time frame.

Kimbrel notched his 25th save of the season Sunday, striking out two and walking one in the ninth inning of Boston's 11-8 win over Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Sox used their potent offense and much-maligned bullpen to overcome Clay Buchholz's early dismissal (three innings, six runs) and give Kimbrel an opportunity to seal a win. While Kimbrel has had some problems in non-save situations, he's been as advertised when protecting a lead. He's blown just two saves out of 27 chances.

Kimbrel entered Sunday's game to start the ninth inning in a non-save situation, then allowed a walk and a double to take the loss in Sunday's 1-0 loss to the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

The walk-off win was aided by left-fielder Brock Holt's inability to cleanly field the ball, but a five-pitch walk (four missing badly) and a well-struck ball is not what you want from a closer of Kimbrel's ilk. His performance in non-save situations has been a problem all season for Boston -- Kimbrel allowed 28 baserunners in 17.1 innings in such situations compared to 20 runners in 26.2 innings when protecting a lead.

Kimbrel nailed down the Rays in order to record his 24th save of the season in a 8-6 victory.

EDGE Analysis

The flame-throwing closer induced a foul out, strike out and fly out to retire the side on just 10 pitches. He closes August having allowed just one run in 11 innings and going a perfect 7-for-7 in save opportunities this month. In addition to 24 saves, he has a 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 69 strikeouts in 44 frames.

Kimbrel struck out two in a clean ninth to earn his 23rd save of the season Tuesday against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has been locked in this month, going a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances while adding a win and a hold to his August resume. He's given up just one run over his last eight appearances while striking out 16 over 8.1 innings

Kimbrel allowed a hit but shut the door for a four-out save in a 3-2 victory over the Tigers on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

He came into the game with runners at first and second, two outs in the eighth. It was a loud one, but Kimbrel got Miguel Cabrera to line out to end the inning. After two straight outs to begin the ninth, Justin Upton doubled to bring the tying run in scoring position, but the next batter struck out. Kimbrel is 2-3 and 22-for-24 in save chances with a 3.12 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 63 strikeouts in 40.1 innings.