What's happened
Craig Kimbrel's return to the Atlanta Braves was short-lived as he was designated for assignment just one day after making his season debut. The nine-time All-Star pitched one scoreless inning but struggled in recent seasons, leading to his release. Kimbrel will report to Triple-A Round Rock to continue his career.
What's behind the headline?
Kimbrel's Career Trajectory
- Kimbrel's designation for assignment highlights the challenges faced by veteran players attempting comebacks.
- His performance in the minors (2.00 ERA) suggested potential, yet his major league struggles (5.33 ERA in 2024) raised concerns.
- The Braves' decision reflects their need for reliable bullpen options after recent meltdowns.
Implications for the Braves
- The Braves are currently struggling, sitting fourth in the NL East with a 27-34 record.
- Kimbrel's release may signal a shift in the team's strategy as they seek to stabilize their pitching staff.
- The team's management will need to explore other options to avoid further losses and regain competitiveness.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Kimbrel's brief stint with the Braves ended abruptly after just one game, where he pitched a scoreless inning. The NY Post noted that Kimbrel's struggles in 2024 with the Orioles contributed to his designation. The Braves' bullpen issues, particularly after a recent loss where they blew a significant lead, further emphasized the need for reliable pitching. The decision to designate Kimbrel reflects the team's urgency to address these challenges as they navigate a difficult season.
How we got here
Kimbrel, a former Braves standout, was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett after a strong performance in the minors. His return followed a disappointing 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles, where he posted a 5.33 ERA. The Braves' bullpen struggles prompted his brief recall.
Go deeper
- What led to Kimbrel's struggles in recent seasons?
- How are the Braves addressing their bullpen issues?
- What are Kimbrel's future prospects in baseball?
Common question
-
What Happened to the Braves' Bullpen and How Will Kimbrel's Return Help?
The Atlanta Braves recently faced a shocking bullpen meltdown, leading to the recall of former closer Craig Kimbrel from Triple-A Gwinnett. This significant move raises questions about the team's performance and what fans can expect moving forward. Here are some common questions regarding Kimbrel's return and its implications for the Braves' season.
-
What Does Saquon Barkley's Potential Retirement Mean for the NFL?
Saquon Barkley, after a record-breaking season, has hinted at a potential retirement, raising questions about his future in the NFL. This news not only impacts Barkley's career but also has broader implications for the league and its fans. Below, we explore key questions surrounding Barkley's situation and its effects on the NFL.
More on these topics
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League East division.
-
Craig Michael Kimbrel is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball. He previously played for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox.
-
Georgia is a state in the Southeastern Region of the United States. Georgia is the 24th-largest in area and 8th-most populous of the 50 United States.
-
The Arizona Diamondbacks, often shortened as the D-backs, are an American professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member of the National League West division. The team plays its home games at Chase