Craig Kimbrel’s brief return to the Atlanta Braves has come to an abrupt end after just one day, as the team announced that the veteran reliever has been designated for assignment. In a corresponding move, left-hander Austin Cox has been recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to take Kimbrel’s place on the roster.
Kimbrel, who signed a minor league contract in March, experienced a momentous day when he was activated and made an appearance in the Braves’ 5-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants. During his outing, he managed a scoreless inning, allowing a hit and a walk but also demonstrating skill by picking off a runner and witnessing another caught stealing.
Despite the excitement surrounding Kimbrel’s return to the franchise that first brought him into Major League Baseball, the decision to designate him for assignment reflects the reality of his performance and ongoing challenges. At 37 years old, Kimbrel’s recent track record in 2024 was disappointing, leading to his release from the Orioles after compiling a 5.33 ERA over 52 1/3 innings. Notably, he had experienced a decline in effectiveness towards the end of recent seasons, despite earlier accolades including a 3.10 ERA and two All-Star selections over 188 2/3 innings between 2021 and 2023.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope for Kimbrel’s future. He exhibited better form in the minors with a promising 2.00 ERA across 18 innings and an impressive strikeout rate of 32.86%, though concerns about his control and elevated home run rate persist.
Kimbrel’s contract included a “rolling opt-out” clause that allowed him to leave if another team came calling, but no offers materialized despite this provision. The Braves now face a financial obligation of approximately $25,000 for Kimbrel’s one day on the active roster.
While Kimbrel has enough MLB service time to decline an outright assignment, he may choose to stay with the Braves. The familiarity of the organization could be appealing to him, particularly given the potential for opportunities arising from a fluctuating bullpen situation. Kimbrel seems intent on continuing his career and is not likely considering retirement at this stage.
This situation underscores the realities of MLB careers, where past success does not always guarantee current performance. However, Kimbrel’s desire to return to an organization he knows well offers a positive outlook on his future possibilities within the sport.