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Kimbrel's perfect start an encouraging sign

A Craig Kimbrel fast start was certainly high on the Cubs' wish list heading into this season. After picking up a save on Sunday, he's opened with two perfect innings and 5 strikeouts. He finished off Sunday's save with a lineout to shortstop.

Slow starts have been a problem since his arrival in Chicago, although he actually earned a save in his Cubs debut on June 27, 2019 against Atlanta.

Kimbrel gave up a walk and hit that day, though. In his next two appearances, he allowed 5 earned runs in 1⅓ innings.

The early days of 2020 were worse. Kimbrel walked four and hit a batter in his season debut at Cincinnati and eventually gave up 7 earned runs in his first four appearances, losing the closer's role in the process.

One common denominator in 2019 and '20 is Kimbrel didn't have a full spring training. He was an unsigned free agent in 2019 and last year no one had a normal spring training due to the pandemic. This spring, Kimbrel had some issues early, but did well in the later exhibitions.

"I'm focusing on this year and not the past," Cubs manager David Ross said Sunday. "I think the main thing for me is he trended in the right direction the entire time (this spring). Typical veteran, getting his work in in spring training. Starting to fix a couple mechanical cues, locked those things in, has looked good since.

"I thought he looked as dominant as I've seen him yesterday. The breaking ball for strikes, back-door flipping it in behind in the count, attacking hitters with the fastball. That was vintage Craig that I know."

Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls

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