### Craig Kimbrel's Rollercoaster Return: From Debut to Designation in Just 24 Hours - The Atlanta Braves have made a surprising decision to designate veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment just one day after he made his season debut with the team. Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star and franchise legend, returned to the Braves after a decade, having been called up from Triple-A Gwinnett. His brief appearance included a scoreless inning against the San Francisco Giants, where he allowed one hit, one walk, and struck out one batter. Despite this, the Braves opted to part ways with him, recalling left-hander Austin Cox in the process. Kimbrel's storied career includes leading the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2014 and ranking fifth all-time with 440 saves and a 2.59 ERA over 16 seasons with eight teams [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_designate_reliever_craig_kimbrel_for_assignment/s1_17044_42297426][https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/c954adc6/braves-designate-craig-kimbrel-for-assignment-one-day-after-return-to-big-leagues]. ### Breakdown of Kimbrel's Brief Stint with the Braves 1. **Background of Kimbrel's Return** - Kimbrel was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett on June 6, 2025, following a bullpen meltdown where the Braves blew a six-run lead against the Arizona Diamondbacks [https://www.newsbreak.com/the-associated-press-510077/4041078150473-braves-call-up-franchise-saves-leader-craig-kimbrel-a-day-after-blowing-a-big-lead]. - His return was seen as a move to stabilize a struggling bullpen after the team allowed seven runs in the ninth inning of that game [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_designate_veteran_pitcher_for_assignment_hours_after_stunning_collapse/s1_13237_42290352]. 2. **Performance in Debut** - Kimbrel made his first appearance in over a decade with the Braves on June 7, 2025, pitching a scoreless seventh inning against the Giants [https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-craig-kimbrel-shines-debut]. - Despite a solid debut, the Braves lost the game 5-4 in 10 innings, which may have influenced the team's decision to designate him for assignment shortly thereafter [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_designate_reliever_craig_kimbrel_for_assignment/s1_17044_42297426]. 3. **Decision to Designate for Assignment** - The Braves' decision to designate Kimbrel came as a shock, especially given his history with the franchise and the timing of the move, occurring just one day after his return [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/c954adc6/braves-designate-craig-kimbrel-for-assignment-one-day-after-return-to-big-leagues]. - The team recalled Austin Cox from Triple-A as a corresponding move, indicating a shift in their bullpen strategy [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_designate_reliever_craig_kimbrel_for_assignment/s1_17044_42297426]. ### Summary of Events Surrounding Kimbrel's Designation - **Key Findings:** 1. **Kimbrel's Return**: After a decade away, Kimbrel was called up to the Braves to address bullpen issues following a significant loss. 2. **Debut Performance**: He pitched effectively in his first game back, but the team still suffered a loss. 3. **Surprising Designation**: The Braves designated him for assignment just 24 hours after his return, opting to recall another pitcher instead. - **Conclusion**: The rapid sequence of events surrounding Craig Kimbrel's return and subsequent designation highlights the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where even a celebrated player can find themselves on the chopping block after a brief stint. The Braves' decision reflects their ongoing challenges with bullpen performance and the need for immediate solutions [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/c954adc6/braves-designate-craig-kimbrel-for-assignment-one-day-after-return-to-big-leagues][https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/braves_designate_reliever_craig_kimbrel_for_assignment/s1_17044_42297426].