Report: Braves to promote right-hander Craig Kimbrel as bullpen struggles linger

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - In the wake of Thursday’s ninth-inning collapse, the Atlanta Braves are reportedly calling up right-hander Craig Kimbrel from Triple-A Gwinnett, according to reports.

Right-hander Daysbel Hernández was placed on the injured list in a corresponding move. In addition, Atlanta designated right-hander Scott Blewett for assignment and recalled southpaw Dylan Dodd from Gwinnett.

Kimbrel, 37, pitched to a 2.00 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 18 innings with Gwinnett after g with Atlanta on March 18. With Atlanta’s bullpen troubles -- Thursday’s ninth-inning implosion as the cherry on top -- it was only a matter of time before the seasoned veteran got the call.

In what seems like an eternity ago, Kimbrel pitched for Atlanta from 2010-2014 and racked up an impressive number of accolades. In five seasons in Atlanta, Kimbrel pitched to a 1.43 ERA and 186 saves in 289 innings. He was a four-time All-Star, finished top 5 in Cy Young Award voting in 2012-2013 and won the NL Rookie of the Year in 2011.

He struck out 42.2% of the hitters he’d faced at the time. He was dealt to the San Diego Padres in 2015 and has bounced around multiple clubs since.

Atlanta is 27-34 after losing 11 of their last 14. It’s unclear what role Kimbrel will slot into amid a struggling bullpen.

They take on the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park for a three-game set starting Friday. First pitch is at 10:15 p.m.

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