In a surprising move, the Atlanta Braves designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment just one day after recalling him from Triple-A Gwinnett. The Braves also announced the recall of left-handed pitcher Austin Cox. Kimbrel’s brief return to Atlanta came after a tough loss to the San Francisco Giants in which the Braves lost 5-4 in 10 innings.
Kimbrel’s Brief Return to Atlanta
Kimbrel had been called up just a day before Atlanta’s loss to Arizona, where the Braves made headlines by blowing a six-run lead in the ninth inning, marking the first time since 1973 that the Braves lost a game after holding such a large lead in the final frame. Kimbrel pitched a scoreless seventh inning during Friday’s game against the Giants, but despite his solid performance, the Braves decided to designate him for assignment the next day.
Kimbrel’s Legacy with the Braves
Craig Kimbrel is one of the most accomplished players in Braves history. He spent his first five seasons in the major leagues with Atlanta, where he became the franchise’s career saves leader, with 186 saves. Kimbrel led the league in saves every year from 2011 to 2014, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant closers of his era. He was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2015, and since then, Kimbrel has pitched for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles last season.
Kimbrel’s time with the Braves, which had lasted just a single day, marked the end of an era for one of the most iconic closers in baseball. While his brief return to Atlanta was filled with nostalgia, the Braves’ decision to move on from him highlights the ever-evolving nature of the game and the challenges players face as they age. His legacy in Atlanta, however, remains untouched, as he continues to be the franchise’s all-time leader in saves.
