Five ways the Craig Kimbrel trade bolsters Dodgers’ pitching, balances the roster

PHOENIX — For a blockbuster move, the Dodgers’ acquisition of Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago White Sox for AJ Pollock came down to a simple calculation by the front office.

The Dodgers lineup was loaded, but its pitching staff was a little thin.

Pollock had become one of the team’s best hitters the last two seasons, and sending him to the White Sox comes with risks. But to the Dodgers decision-makers, the chance to add a proven closer such as Kimbrel — and balance out the roster in the process — was too valuable to forego.

“As much as the players, clubhouse, manager, staff, the front