Following what can only be characterized as an epic bullpen meltdown, the Atlanta Braves have reportedly selected the contract of former closer Craig Kimbrel. The Braves’ bullpen has been a strength while the offense struggled to score, but closer Raisel Iglesias hasn’t been the lights-out closer we saw in 2023; today was his fifth save in 13 opportunities, and he’s looked shaky in most of his appearances.
Craig Kimbrel to the rescue for the Braves?
Kimbrel isn’t the dominant closer he was when he left the team for the Padres in 2015. He
spent three seasons in Boston and earned a World Series ring in 2018, but Boston relied heavily
on other relievers and let him walk after the Series. He joined the Cubs in 2019, but pitched to a
6.53 ERA and lost the closer slot.
Since 2001, Kimbrel’s had his ups and downs, posting ERAs in the low to mid-threes in 2022 and
2023, but sinking to a 5.33 with Baltimore in 2024. His velocity is down, and he walks more than
he once did, but he’s had 20 + save seasons in each of the last three seasons.
A little while after Kimbrel's call up was announced, it was revealed that Scott Blewett got DFA'd to make room for Kimbrel. While putting Iglesias on the IL seemed to be a better option, this is what the Braves came up with instead.
That’s a Wrap
The club waited a long time before summoning their former star, and his arrival won’t solve all
of the problems. Manager Brian Snitker hasn’t said anything about roles, but Kimbrel’s likely to
get a shot at the job.
He isn’t the flame-thrower with a heavy slider he once was, but he’s a smarter pitcher and
seems to be adapting to his new self. The Braves face a stretch that will determine their success
this season. The Braves need Kimbrel to steady the ship and not waste the superb starts we’ve
seen from the rotation.