One day after bringing back Craig Kimbrel, arguably the greatest closer in franchise history, the struggling Atlanta Braves have designated the veteran reliever for assignment. In a corresponding move, they recalled left-hander Austin Cox.

The 37-year-old Kimbrel had made just one appearance after returning to Atlanta. During the game against the San Francisco Giants, Kimbrel allowed a single to Heliot Ramos, who was thrown out attempting to steal second. He later walked Jung Hoo Lee but managed to pick him off and struck out Wilmer Flores to conclude the inning. Throughout this outing, Kimbrel’s fastball averaged just 91.5 mph.

The Braves brought Kimbrel on board via a minor-league contract in March, but his tenure may be short-lived. Despite experiencing a decline, Kimbrel once had an esteemed career as a reliever, mostly with the Braves, who first drafted him in 2008. From 2010 to 2014, he boasted a phenomenal 1.43 ERA with 186 saves and 476 strikeouts in 289 innings, earning four All-Star selections and finishing in the top 10 for the NL Cy Young award multiple times. Kimbrel holds the franchise record in saves, with 186 recorded while playing for Atlanta out of his total of 440 career saves.

As for the Braves, they continue to be one of the most underperforming teams in the 2025 season, currently sitting at a record of 27-35, which places them fourth in the National League East and trailing the first-place New York Mets by 12 games, as well as eight games out of a wild-card spot.