FORT MYERS, Fla.
Craig Kimbrel is away from Boston’s spring training camp while his infant daughter has surgery.
Kimbrel’s wife Ashley gave birth to the couple’s first child, Lydia Joy, in November. Lydia Joy was born with a heart ailment and had a first medical procedure when she was a few days old. Surgery is scheduled at Boston’s Children’s Hospital.
“I love baseball, but I also love my family,” the Red Sox closer said Tuesday. “I’m here to work. I’m here to focus and try to get better. When I leave the ballpark, my heart and my mind are definitely at home.”
“The doctors have been amazing, very encouraging,” he added.
Under new manager Alex Cora, Kimbrel could be used earlier in games in important situations.
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