Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, June 6, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) ...

ATLANTA -- There's a reason I've waited to address the Craig Kimbrel issue. It's because I've gone back and forth, and I hate being a fence-straddler.

Atlanta Braves' Craig Kimbrel pitches to a San Francisco Giants batter during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, June 6, 2025, in San Francisco. Credit: AP/Godofredo A. Vásquez ...

ATLANTA — Nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel is attempting to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves, his original team. Kimbrel and catcher James McCann have agreed to minor league ...

Kimbrel’s reputation has been streaky since his first stint with the Braves ended a decade ago. In 294 games in Atlanta, he had a ridiculous 1.43 ERA.

Craig Kimbrel is coming, too. The long-ago Atlanta closer is finally poised to pitch in the big leagues, about 2½ months after he returned to the organization on a minor league deal.

Craig Kimbrel’s stay with the Atlanta Braves lasted just one day as the team designated the franchise’s career saves leader for assignment and recalled left-handed pitcher Austin Cox ...

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, in San Francisco.

Kimbrel spent his first five seasons in the big leagues with Atlanta, leading the league in saves each year from 2011-14. His 186 saves are the most ever for a Braves pitcher.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have called up franchise career saves leader Craig Kimbrel from the minors a day after having their worst blown ninth-inning lead in more than a half-century.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, June 6, 2025, in San Francisco. Credit: AP/Godofredo A. Vásquez ...