Braves DFA Craig Kimbrel — after just one relief appearance

It’s one and done for Craig Kimbrel.

The reliever and nine-time All-Star was designated for assignment in an abrupt decision by the Braves on Saturday, which is one outing and one day after Kimbrel was called up from the minors.

On Friday night, the 37-year-old made his season debut in Atlanta’s 5-4 loss to the Giants.

He allowed one hit with one walk and one strikeout over 14 pitches in a scoreless seventh inning.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park. Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Kimbrel was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Giants after signing a minor league deal with Atlanta in March.

He began his professional career with the Braves in 2010 and led the National League in saves for four straight seasons (2011-14).

Kimbrel, who was named reliever of the year in 2017 and won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2018, also ranks fifth all-time with 440 saves, along with a 2.59 ERA in 838 career games across 16 seasons with eight teams.

He became the eighth pitcher in league history to make 400 career saves when he was pitching for the Phillies in 2023.

However, Kimbrel struggled in 2024 with the Orioles, holding a 5.33 ERA across 57 outings.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel crouches on the mound between pitches during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Friday, June 6, 2025. AP

This season in Triple-A, he held a 2.45 ERA, allowing eight hits and four earned runs across 15 games.

Atlanta also recalled left-handed Austin Cox from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding transaction Saturday.