Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel has been voted the June recipient of the Gillette presents National League Rookie of the Month Award.
Kimbrel went 1-0 with eight saves and a 1.93 ERA in June over 14 apperances. In 14.0 innings pitched, the 23-year-old right-hander permitted three runs on seven hits with five walks and 25 strikeouts. Kimbrel tossed 1.0 inning in each of his games pitched during the month and collected a strikeout in 13 of the 14 outings, including four with two strikeouts and four three-strikeout performances. On June 3rd at Citi Field against the New York Mets, Kimbrel notched his 17th save of the season, setting a National League rookie record for most saves prior to the All-Star break. The Huntsville, Alabama native recorded saves in back-to-back home contests on June 19th against the Texas Rangers and on June 20th vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. Kimbrel, who was selected by the Braves in the third round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, closed out the month with saves in three consecutive contests from June 27th-29th against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. In the 3.0 innings pitched during the series, Craig allowed just one hit with no walks and seven strikeouts. Kimbrel collected his 100th career strikeout on June 27th, becoming the quickest pitcher in Braves franchise history to reach the mark (59.1 innings pitched). Kimbrel is currently tied with All-Stars Joel Hanrahan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Heath Bell of the San Diego Padres for the National League lead with 25 saves. The 25 saves before the All-Star break sets a new Major League rookie record, surpassing the previous mark of 24 by Kansas City's Mike MacDougal in 2003. Kimbrel also ranks second in the league with 44 games pitched behind All-Star teammate Jonny Venters (47).
Others rookies receiving votes included Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (.274, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 6 2B, 13 R, 5 SB); Kimbrel's Braves teammate, first baseman Freddie Freeman (.287, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 7 2B, 11 R, .489 SLG); New York Mets right-handed pitcher Dillon Gee (3-1, 2.48 ERA, 29.0 IP, 24 H, 12 BB, 14 SO); and Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Vance Worley (1-0, 1.00 ERA, 18.0 IP, 11 H, 8 BB, 12 SO).
Kimbrel will receive a specially designed trophy, suitably engraved, to commemorate his Rookie of the Month performance.
