Braves Cut Ties with Craig Kimbrel, Promote Austin Cox
That didn’t last long.
Just one day after legendary closer Craig Kimbrel made his return to the Atlanta Braves for the first time since 2014, the team has designated him for assignment. In a corresponding move, left-hander Austin Cox has been called up.
Kimbrel, 37, threw a scoreless inning in his lone appearance—striking out one, giving up a hit and a walk, and picking off a runner. Despite the clean outing, the Braves opted to move on quickly. Kimbrel had signed a minor league deal this offseason and was only just recalled.
Cox, who has been putting up modest numbers in Triple-A Gwinnett, previously pitched in 24 games for the Kansas City Royals in 2023. He also logged 11 appearances with their Triple-A affiliate earlier this year before joining the Braves’ system.
Unless claimed by another team, there’s a slim chance Kimbrel could stay with the organization, though that seems unlikely. As noted by David O’Brien of The Athletic, a reunion doesn’t appear to be in the cards.
Kimbrel remains fifth on MLB’s all-time saves list and holds the Braves franchise record for saves.
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