ATLANTA -- There's a reason I've waited to address the Craig Kimbrel issue. It's because I've gone back and forth, and I hate being a fence-straddler.

Kimbrel spent his first five seasons in the big leagues with Atlanta, leading the league in saves each year from 2011-14. His 186 saves are the most ever for a Braves pitcher.

Atlanta Braves reliever Craig Kimbrel pitches during a National League game against the San Francisco Giants on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Oracle Park in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) ...

Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, June 6, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) ...

In the wake of the Atlanta Braves signing their former iconic closer Craig Kimbrel to a minor league contract, we may have to hold our horses when it comes him to making his triumphant return to ...

Craig Kimbrel's return to the Atlanta Braves was promising in Friday night's 5-4 loss in extra to the San Francisco Giants. He pitched a scoreless seventh inning while giving up a hit and a walk.

As previously discussed in this space, the case for Kimbrel returning to the Braves hinged on need and cost. As good as Kimbrel is, he's not four times better than Vizcaino, who's making $4.8 ...

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Atlanta Braves called up franchise career saves leader Craig Kimbrel from the minors a day after having their worst blown ninth-inning lead in more than a half-century.

Kimbrel spent his first five seasons in the big leagues with Atlanta, leading the league in saves each year from 2011-14. His 186 saves are the most ever for a Braves pitcher.

Atlanta Braves' Craig Kimbrel pitches to a San Francisco Giants batter during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, June 6, 2025, in San Francisco. Credit: AP/Godofredo A. Vásquez ...

Kimbrel spent his first five seasons in the big leagues with Atlanta, leading the league in saves each year from 2011-14. His 186 saves are the most ever for a Braves pitcher.