BREAKING; From Forgotten to Feared Again: Braves Eye Shocking Bullpen Fix As They Turn To Former Star to Save Sinking Bullpen”

Craig Kimbrel isn’t just getting work in at Triple-A — he’s mounting a strong case for a return to Atlanta. The former Braves All-Star closer is turning heads with his recent performances for Gwinnett, showing off the command and poise that once made him one of the most feared arms in baseball. Over his last two appearances, Kimbrel has pitched clean eighth innings, needing only 10 pitches each time — both outings were perfect, and one ended with a strikeout.

Since starting his journey back with Double-A Mississippi before moving up to Gwinnett, Kimbrel has surrendered just one baserunner while striking out seven across 5 1/3 innings. Signed to a minor-league deal that could turn into a $2 million MLB contract, his path back to the Braves’ bullpen is looking more likely by the day. He joined Triple-A on April 22, and so far, he’s shown no signs of rust.

Kimbrel’s Braves legacy is well known — from 2010 to 2014, he dominated as the team’s closer, tallying 186 saves and a minuscule 1.43 ERA across nearly 300 appearances. His strikeout rate of 14.1 per nine innings and staggering 266 ERA+ cemented his status as one of the elite. Though last season was up-and-down — he posted a 5.33 ERA over 57 games with Baltimore — he was still an All-Star in 2023 while pitching for Philadelphia.

Now, Kimbrel could be the bullpen boost Atlanta desperately needs. The relief corps has stumbled out of the gate with a 4.43 ERA through late April, hampered by injuries and uneven performances. Raisel Iglesias, the current closer, has given up four home runs already — nearly half of the bullpen’s total — despite solid underlying numbers. Add in rotation concerns, and Atlanta’s relievers are being leaned on heavily, with little stability at the back end.

Kimbrel’s experience, ability to pound the zone, and cool under pressure could provide the steadying presence the Braves are missing — even if he’s not the one closing games. If he keeps pitching like this in Triple-A, fans at Truist Park may not have to wait long to see No. 46 back on the hill.