Kimbrel joins Cubs for series finale against Braves

Craig Kimbrel joins the Cubs for their series finale against Atlanta Thursday at Wrigley Field.

#Cubs Manager Joe Maddon announced post-game Chicago will activate Craig Kimbrel before tomorrow’s game & series finale vs. the #Braves.
— Kelsey Wingert (@KelsWingert) June 27, 2019

The seven-time All-Star closer completed his minor league assignment Tuesday and traveled to Chicago on Wednesday. He pitched in four games for Triple-A Iowa, allowing one run and two hits in 3-2/3 innings. The right-hander worked a clean ninth with two strikeouts Tuesday in Iowa’s 5-1 win over Omaha, throwing 16 pitches.

» More: Bryse Wilson will start for Braves Thursday

Kimbrel pitched from 2010-14 for the Braves, posting a 1.43 ERA and 186 saves. He was a workhorse, a four-time All-Star and built his reputation as the best closer in baseball during those seasons.

Kimbrel and the Cubs finalized a $43 million, three-year contract June 7. The 31-year-old reliever has 333 career saves, including 42 last season for World Series champion Boston.

About the Author

The Associated Press

Key upcoming dates for the Braves

Quick look at some important dates in the next few weeks, and a reminder that the MLB All-Star Game will be played at Truist Park in July.

Sean Murphy talks latest injury. ‘Nothing to be frustrated at, stuff happens’

“As far as (late April) being the worst-case scenario, not too bad .... I have no control over (the injury happening). I can be frustrated, but nothing to be frustrated at ...

Drake Baldwin ‘confident’ if Braves need him to begin season

The Braves could use Baldwin, the team’s No. 1 prospect, as their starting catcher after Sean Murphy sustained a cracked rib that will cost him four to six weeks.

The Latest

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC