Kimbrel cracks top 10 on MLB's all-time saves list

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Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning Thursday night to secure a 2-0 win over the Mets at Citi Field.

And in doing so, the right-hander made some history.

With Thursday's save, Kimbrel is now tied for 10th on MLB's all-time saves list with Jeff Reardon (367).

It's the latest milestone for Kimbrel, who started the 2021 season 12th on the all-time list. He took sole possession of 11th back on May 26, passing Troy Percival.

Kimbrel is in the midst of a dominant season for the Cubs, holding a 0.64 ERA while converting 19-for-21 save chances. He's played a big role in a Cubs bullpen that entered Thursday with a 2.55 ERA — first in MLB.

"There's just a huge sense of calm from everyone. We know what those guys are going to bring," said Kyle Hendricks of Kimbrel, Ryan Tepera and Andrew Chafin, the Cubs' late-inning relief trio.

"We know when we get an early lead," Hendricks added, "come the sixth inning or later, we're going to have a really, really good chance of winning that game."

It won't be long before the Kimbrel moves further up the list. With his next save, he'll tie longtime Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon for ninth all-time.

Eighth place, currently held by Joe Nathan (377) isn't that far away, either.

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