Field Level Media
27 May 2026, 08:10 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)
Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel joined his 11th major league team after signing with the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.
He made an immediate debut, throwing a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday night as the Rays lost 6-1 to the host Baltimore Orioles. Kimbrel struck out the first two batters he faced, allowed a single and then induced an inning-ending groundout.
'I couldn't be happier to be here,' Kimbrel said pregame. 'It's an amazing opportunity, and I'm trying to make the best of it.'
The nine-time All-Star right-hander became a free agent when he refused a minor league assignment with the New York Mets, who designated him for assignment last week.
Kimbrel, who turns 38 on Thursday, posted an 0-2 record with a 6.00 ERA in 14 outings for the Mets. He struck out 15 batters in 15 innings and did not record a save.
Kimbrel ranks fifth all time with 440 career saves. He led the National League in saves in four straight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, starting with his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2011. Overall, he is 56-50 with a 2.64 ERA in 866 career relief appearances.
The Rays opened a spot on the active roster for Kimbrel by placing right-handed reliever Jesse Scholtens on the 15-day injured list due to a strained right wrist.
Scholtens, 32, blew a save and took the loss against the Orioles on Monday, when he allowed four runs in the 13th inning, capped by Colton Cowser's walk-off two-run homer. He is 5-3 with a 3.82 ERA through nine games (two starts) this year.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Sports Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sports Sun.
More Information(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images) Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel joined his 11th major league team after signing with the...
(Photo credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images) Garrett Mitchell and Jake Bauers homered while Kyle Harrison delivered six strong innings...
(Photo credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images) Michael Harris II collected four hits, including a two-run home run, and the visiting...
(Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images) Jesus Sanchez hit his first career grand slam to key a six-run sixth inning Tuesday night...
(Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Patrick Mahomes, wearing a large brace on his surgically repaired left knee, participated...
(Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images) Vaughn Grissom drove in six runs, including an eighth-inning grand slam, to power the...
(Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Patrick Mahomes, wearing a large brace on his surgically repaired left knee, participated...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) The Los Angeles Chargers and Derwin James Jr. have agreed on a three-year, $75.6 million extension...
(Photo credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images) Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs was arrested on Tuesday on five charges,...
(Photo credit: Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) If University of Georgia president Jere Morehead...
(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. agreed to participate in a one-year intervention...
(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores' discrimination lawsuit against...
