The Atlanta Braves may be looking at a potential reunion as Craig Kimbrel continues to build up towards a potential call-up from the AAA affiliate. The former Braves closer has compiled a 1.86 ERA and 11 strikeouts through 9.2 innings pitched. Could he contribute to a needy Braves bullpen down the stretch?
Kimbrel set the franchise mark for career saves in Braves uniform (186) during his five-year stint in Atlanta, but his best are certainly behind him. The 36-year-old posted a 5.33 ERA through 57 appearances for the Baltimore Orioles last season before being designated for assignment.
Although the nine-time All-Star's days as a closer are likely over, could he still play a potential role for the Braves? Grant McAuley isn't so sure just yet.
"I'd like to think he has a role to play [for the Braves]," McAuley said. "But right now I don't really look at the bullpen and say there's an odd-man out with what Scott Blewett did last night. He reminded you he can be useful here as well."
The Kimbrel timeline remains unclear, but the ramp up period is still in progress.
"I haven't really seen enough from Craig Kimbrel in AAA to lead me to believe he's quite ready yet," McAuley added. "He has a nice little ERA, but fewer than a strikeout per inning... which is not exactly Craig Kimbrel territory -- he's usually around 12 or 13 [strikeouts per nine innings] -- and he's also walked about seven batters per nine."
The sample size is still pretty small for Kimbrel, but the precision isn't where it needs to be yet and the fastball needs to see an uptick, too.
There is still plenty of time for Kimbrel to continue building back up after missing all of spring training. What his role could end up being?