Kimbrel has successful 'pen session

PHILADELPHIA -- Craig Kimbrel, who sat out of consecutive games before Tuesday's rainout, didn't make a big deal of the shoulder soreness that crept up on him Saturday night. The closer was confident that it was just something that happens over the course of a season, and he appeared happy after his scheduled 15-pitch session before the Braves' game against the Phillies at Citizens' Bank Park.

"It was actually 14," Kimbrel joked. "I felt so good, I didn't need to throw another pitch.

"It went good today. The ball was coming out of my hand good. The offspeed was good and nothing was uncomfortable. Yesterday was just a side throw. I didn't throw anything hard enough to know anything."

Kimbrel's only road block to return is the weather in Philadelphia. The temperature has been dropping and around 10 p.m., which is likely when Kimbrel would be used as he pursues John Smoltz's franchise record of 154 saves, it's likely to be near freezing. Manager Fredi Gonzalez admitted it would impact his decision.

"It would," Gonzalez said. "But he'd probably be able to talk us into using him."

"We have heaters in the bullpen," Kimbrel said. "I'll be nice and warm."