Why was Craig Kimbrel DFA'd after just one appearance?
The Braves may have been concerned about his performance level, as his fastball velocity has declined and he struggled with control in his single outing.
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Baseball / MLB
Braves Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment After One Appearance
Craig Kimbrel's return to the Atlanta Braves was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment (DFA) just one day after being added to the active roster. This abrupt decision followed a single relief appearance against the San Francisco...
Key Insights
- Craig Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star, was DFA'd by the Braves one day after being called up from Triple-A Gwinnett.
- Kimbrel pitched a scoreless seventh inning against the Giants, allowing one hit and one walk, but the Braves decided to move on.
- Kimbrel's minor league contract had a clause allowing him to opt-out if another team offered him a Major League roster spot, but no other team made an offer prior to the Braves' decision.
- The Braves will owe Kimbrel approximately $25,000 for his day on the active roster, as his minor league contract stipulated a prorated $2 million salary if called up.
In-Depth Analysis
Craig Kimbrel's return to the Atlanta Braves was highly anticipated, marking a reunion with the team where he began his professional career in 2010 and led the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons (2011-14). However, his comeback lasted only a single day. After signing a minor league deal with Atlanta in March and working his way back to the majors, Kimbrel made his season debut in a 5-4 loss to the Giants. In that appearance, he pitched a scoreless seventh inning, allowing one hit and one walk, with one strikeout.
The decision to designate Kimbrel for assignment so quickly may reflect concerns about his current performance level. In 2024, he struggled with the Baltimore Orioles, posting a 5.33 ERA. While his Triple-A numbers this season were better (2.45 ERA), control issues and a decline in fastball velocity have raised questions about his effectiveness.
The Braves have replaced Kimbrel on the roster with Austin Cox, a left-handed pitcher recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. Kimbrel now faces the decision of whether to accept an outright assignment to stay with the Braves organization or to reject it and become a free agent. Given his history and experience, it's possible another team in need of bullpen help could offer him an opportunity.
FAQ
What are Kimbrel's options now?
He can either accept an outright assignment to stay with the Braves or reject it and become a free agent.
Takeaways
- Craig Kimbrel's return to the Braves was unexpectedly brief, lasting only one day.
- The Braves' decision may indicate concerns about his current performance level and effectiveness.
- Kimbrel now faces a decision about his future, with the possibility of joining another team or remaining with the Braves in a minor league role.
- This situation highlights the challenging and often unpredictable nature of baseball, even for established veterans.
Discussion
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