A former Boston Red Sox standout might soon be back on the market after a brief stint with another team.
Craig Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star closer, was signed by the Atlanta Braves to a minor league deal in March and was promoted to the big league roster on Thursday. He made his first appearance for the Braves in over a decade on Friday night, tossing a scoreless inning in a 4-4 game against the Giants.
Despite the clean outing, Atlanta didn’t waste time making a move. Just one day later, the Braves designated Kimbrel for assignment and called up lefty reliever Austin Cox in his place.
The move was especially surprising given Kimbrel’s effective—though unconventional—return. He gave up a leadoff single but got help when the runner was caught stealing. After walking another batter, he picked him off at first base, then ended the inning with a strikeout. However, he threw just six strikes out of 14 pitches and showed diminished velocity, averaging only 91.6 mph on his fastball—down significantly from the 97.1 mph he averaged in his 2018 Red Sox days.
Kimbrel, who was an All-Star all three seasons in Boston and helped secure the 2018 World Series, struggled last year with the Orioles. He was cut before the playoffs after surrendering 22 runs and 15 walks over just 18 second-half outings.
There was hope Kimbrel might stabilize Atlanta’s struggling bullpen, which currently owns the worst ERA in MLB at 6.15. Following a bullpen meltdown Thursday that led to a demotion for closer Raisel Iglesias, some speculated Kimbrel might be a late-game option. Instead, Atlanta now has a week to trade or waive him.
If he clears waivers, Kimbrel could potentially return to Triple-A Gwinnett as a bullpen depth piece.
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