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.

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