Craig Kimbrel was not given much of an opportunity to prove himself with the Atlanta Braves this season, but the veteran relief pitcher has landed with a new team.
Kimbrel agreed to a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Kimbrel had previously signed a minor-league contract with the Braves in March. He began the season with the Double-A Columbus Clingstones and did not give up a hit in three appearances. Kimbrel was then promoted to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, where he went 1-1 with a 2.00 ERA and 23 strikeouts over 18 innings.
The Braves added Kimbrel to their active roster last Friday. He pitched a scoreless seventh inning in Atlanta’s 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants. Kimbrel allowed a walk and a hit in the inning.
The following day, Kimbrel was designated for assignment. Many people felt the 37-year-old pitched well enough in the minors and his one MLB appearance to earn a spot in the Braves’ bullpen, but the team did not agree.
Kimbrel opted for free agency rather than accepting his minor-league assignment, and he is now with the Rangers.
Kimbrel is a nine-time All-Star who has pitched for eight different teams during his MLB career. He led the National League in saves four times and was one of the best relief pitchers in the league during his prime. Kimbrel also helped the Boston Red Sox win a World Series in 2018.
If the Rangers liked what they saw from Kimbrel for the brief period he was in the Braves organization, he may have a spot on an MLB roster again before long.
