Kimbrel not concerned about slight dip in velocity

WASHINGTON -- Craig Kimbrel's fastball did not register its normal velocity as he completed a perfect ninth inning in Saturday afternoon's win over the Nationals. But the Braves' closer believes this was simply a product of making two appearances in a span of approximately 16 hours.

"It's just one of those games," Kimbrel said. "It was a day game and a quick turnaround. I was still able to get guys out."

Kimbrel's fastball rested between 93-95 mph during Saturday afternoon's game. In the 10th inning of Friday night's win over the Nationals, his fastball sat between 95-97 mph.

"I feel pretty good that I was able to go out there and throw 93 to 95," Kimbrel said. "I don't have to throw harder than that."

There certainly has not been any reason to be concerned about the results produced by Kimbrel, who has surrendered just one hit while not allowing a run in his first six appearances of the season.

According to brooksbaseball.net, the average velocity of Kimbrel's fastball in his first five appearances was 97 mph. His first dip in velocity came on Saturday as he made his fourth appearance in a span of six days.