Craig Kimbrel is officially back with the Atlanta Braves. The nine-time All-Star has successfully completed his rehab and training process, earning his return to the Braves’ roster after signing a minor league deal earlier this season.
Kimbrel, 36, worked his way back by throwing live batting practice and building up his arm strength at the team’s spring training facility. Following a brief stint with Triple-A Gwinnett, the Braves have now confirmed that Kimbrel will rejoin the bullpen and is set to make his return to the mound in the coming days.
“It’s awesome to have him back,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “It’ll be great to see him out there again. God, I loved Craig.”
After being released by the Baltimore Orioles late last season following a second-half slump, Kimbrel was determined to prove he still had something left in the tank. Before his struggles, he had posted a dominant 2.10 ERA through early July, holding hitters to a .147 average across 38 appearances. Now, with his health issues behind him, Kimbrel is ready to contribute once again.
“Last year was tough, but I was battling,” Kimbrel said. “I’ve taken care of what needed to be fixed, and I feel great about getting back out there.”
The Braves are well aware of what a healthy Kimbrel brings to the table. Originally drafted by Atlanta in 2008, he made his MLB debut in 2010 and quickly became one of the league’s most dominant closers. From 2011 to 2014, he led the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons, including a career-best 1.01 ERA in 2012. With 440 career saves, Kimbrel ranks fifth all-time, and he now has the chance to add to that total in a Braves uniform once again.
Braves fans will soon see Kimbrel back in action, and his return could be a significant boost to the team’s bullpen as they push for another deep playoff run.
