Atlanta has put manager Brian Snitker in a tough position when it comes to managing the Atlanta bullpen. Aside from the closer role, there is yet to be a defined spot for each reliever. Each game is a patchwork, with it appearing the manager is simply going to ride with who he believes is the hot hand. A big piece of this points to organizational failure to rebuild a bullpen unit that had clear question marks.
The most noteworthy moves were the decisions to reunite with former closer Craig Kimbrel and long reliever Jessie Chavez. Everything else has been bargain deals and promoting players who had been used in lesser roles. With this in mind, it is time for the Braves to find out exactly what they have in Kimbrel. The veteran appears ready to take the next step and attempt to contribute to the major league roster.
Braves Shouldn't Hesitate to Promote Former Closer Craig Kimbrel
Atlanta eased Kimbrel back to pitching, starting the veteran with the Columbus Clingstones. In three appearances, Kimbrel has struck out 6 in 3.1 innings pitched and is yet to allow a run. Safe to say the Braves need to make a move and promote their former closer. It is hard to predict what exactly Braves fans should expect. In the first half of the 2024 season, Kimbrel was consistently reliable and a key piece of the bullpen. However, the wheels fell off at the end of the year, with the veteran appearing to be throwing batting practice, a shell of what he once was.
What version of Kimbrel the Braves are going to get at this stage of his career is a fair question. Still, the team shouldn't hesitate to make the move, understanding their limited options. There isn't anything to be lost by making the move, with the best case scenario being Atlanta having found a reliable option for the 7th or 8th inning. This is the role Kimbrel should be expected to fill with the closer role locked for the time being.
Atlanta's all-time saves leader returning to help patch a leaky bullpen would be a great story. One the Braves need to play out to help buy themselves time until the trade deadline. It would be shocking not to see the team make multiple impact additions to the bullpen, as well as looking at bench depth. Until that time, they will have to hope Kimbrel can turn back the clock and become a reliable setup option.