Before the end of July, it was expected both Francisco Rodriguez and Craig Kimbrel would be dealt to contending clubs seeking closing help. However, neither was moved before the non-waiver trade deadline and after being placed on waivers, both have been pulled back.
CBS Sports' Jon Heyman initially reported Rodriguez was pulled back. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported the Kimbrel news on Saturday afternoon.
Rodriguez, 33, re-signed with the Brewers last offseason but reportedly drew a notable amount of interest from a handful of other clubs. Since he was pulled back, Rodriguez is likely to finish the season with Milwaukee.
Over 44.2 innings, Rodriguez has pitched to a 2.01 ERA and 2.56 FIP. He has also successfully converted each of his 30 save opportunities and as a result the Brewers have an experienced closing option heading into 2016.
While Rodriguez was not drawing a notable amount of interest, Kimbrel was linked to as many as six teams over the last few days, Rosenthal adds. Regardless of the team that won the claim, the Padres did not have any interest in moving Kimbrel. Kimbrel was thought to be among the available closers as the deadline approached.
After being moved from Atlanta to San Diego, Kimbrel struggled throughout the first few months of the season. At 27, he has posted a 2.88 ERA and 2.84 FIP while saving 36 contests. However he, like Rodriguez, is an expensive closer. Kimbrel signed a four-year, $42 million extension that includes a club option for 2018 when he was with the Braves.
Although they have both had difficulty throwing strikes at times, Kimbrel and Rodriguez have proven to be effective. As a result, neither the Brewers nor the Padres wanted to make a move.
In order for any acquired player to be active on a postseason roster, the addition must be made before Monday at midnight. Clubs that want to add are now in a position to move quickly.