Braves Reinforce Bullpen by Calling Up Veteran Craig Kimbrel

The Atlanta Braves are making some gutsy moves to fix their bullpen problems. They’re bringing back franchise legend Craig Kimbrel, hoping he can help steady the team’s late-inning pitching.

This comes after a wild stretch for Atlanta, especially that near-disastrous meltdown against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Braves gave up a six-run lead in the ninth—unbelievable, really. After a week of shuffling the roster, the team’s betting on Kimbrel’s experience and stubbornness to bring some calm to their relief corps.

Craig Kimbrel Returns: A Franchise Icon Reunites with Atlanta

Craig Kimbrel, who still holds the Braves’ all-time saves record, is back in Atlanta’s uniform after almost ten years away. Drafted by Atlanta in 2008, he exploded onto the scene and quickly became one of baseball’s most dominant closers.

He even snagged the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2011. Fans never really stopped loving the guy, not after those early years.

But let’s be honest—this reunion isn’t just for nostalgia. The Braves bullpen has been a mess, and blowing that six-run cushion in the ninth against Arizona was a wake-up call. That kind of collapse hadn’t happened since 1973, if you can believe it.

Atlanta needed someone who’s been there before, someone who doesn’t melt under pressure. Kimbrel fits the bill, and maybe he can patch up a bullpen that’s been shaky all season.

Kimbrel’s Journey Back to the Braves

After leaving Atlanta in 2014, Kimbrel’s career was all over the place. He made nine All-Star teams and piled up 440 career saves, but he’s had his share of rough patches lately.

Last year with Baltimore, Kimbrel struggled with injuries and inconsistency. His ERA ballooned to 5.33, and the Orioles let him go. This spring, he took a minor league deal with Atlanta, hoping to get back on track where it all started.

He pitched for Triple-A Gwinnett and looked pretty sharp. Over 18 innings, he put up a 3.00 ERA and struck out 23 batters. Not bad at all.

Kimbrel’s drive to return to Atlanta was obvious. He’s said more than once that the Braves mean a lot to him—both on and off the field.

Managing the Roster and Other Key Moves

Along with Kimbrel’s call-up, the Braves made a handful of other moves to try to fix their bullpen. Rookie lefty Dylan Dodd got recalled too, adding another arm to the mix.

Meanwhile, Daysbel Hernandez landed on the injured list, and Scott Blewett was traded to the Orioles to open up a roster spot.

Kimbrel didn’t waste time making an impact. In his first game back, he pitched a tense seventh inning against the Giants.

He got a huge strikeout against Wilmer Flores to get out of a jam. The Braves ended up losing 5-4 in extras on a wild pitch, but Kimbrel’s outing stood out in an otherwise aggravating night.

What Kimbrel Brings to the Braves

The Braves are hoping Kimbrel’s mix of experience and grit can steady their bullpen. Manager Brian Snitker praised Kimbrel’s journey and his early dominance in Atlanta, sounding pretty hopeful that this reunion might spark the team at a crucial point in the season.

Let’s face it—the bullpen’s been anything but reliable. Kimbrel’s nine All-Star nods and his history with the Braves make him a natural fit.

And beyond the stats, having a veteran like Kimbrel around could really help the younger pitchers who are still learning how to handle the big moments. Sometimes, that kind of leadership is just as important as a save.

Looking Ahead

The Braves look ready for a playoff push. Their recent bullpen issues have really highlighted just how much they need steady relief pitching.

Kimbrel’s return feels like a calculated risk. He’s not the same flamethrower who used to own the ninth inning, but his experience—and those solid Triple-A numbers—hint there’s still something left in his arm.

For Atlanta, the stakes are sky-high. Postseason dreams are front and center, and honestly, every single win counts now.

If Kimbrel can recapture even a spark of what he brought in his first run with the team, this could turn into one of those midseason moves people talk about for years. The Braves’ front office seems to be saying, “We’re fixing this bullpen, and we’re bringing back a franchise legend to do it.”

 
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