Craig Kimbrel is one of the best relievers in MLB history, but he is also known for his unique pitching mannerisms. Throughout his career, the veteran has looked into the catcher to get signs with his pitching hand extended out like a bird’s wing, before getting set on the mound.
The motion is so specific that many people, usually fans, have had fun mimicking it. On Friday night, though, a fellow MLB player decided to mimic Kimbrel on the mound.
In the Phillies' blowout 13–2 win over the Twins, Minnesota sent outfielder Jordan Luplow to the mound in the eighth inning, and the veteran pulled out Kimbrel’s unique look for a pitch.
Jordan Luplow's Kimbrel Imitation AND 69mph Pitch.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 12, 2023
The Nicest Pitch of the Night. 😂👍 pic.twitter.com/ncHhPh7eQM
During the performance, Luplow gave up two earned runs to Philadelphia, but he still got a memorable and funny moment by poking fun at Kimbrel. After the game, Luplow explained that he wanted to lighten up a bad game.
“I mean, isn’t he on the Phillies?” Luplow said, via MLB.com. “I don’t know, I just felt like it would be kind of funny and make everyone laugh in a tough spot for us.”
Kimbrel also acknowledged Luplow’s moment, as he got amusement out of the decision as well.
“They pointed it out to me when I was down there [in the bullpen],” Kimbrel said. “I think at that point he was just having fun.”
