Kimbrel pitched a scoreless inning Thursday, striking out all three batters faced in a game against the Mets.
Kimbrel has been dominant this spring, striking out nine batters and allowing just one hit in five innings. There have been some hiccups on the staff -- Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) will miss the start of the season, Clay Buchholz and Rick Porcello haven't pitched well, and relievers Carson Smith (forearm) and Koji Uehara (general soreness) are dealing with injuries -- but the back end of the bullpen appears secure with Kimbrel pitching in mid-season form.