The Atlanta Braves desperately needed a victory as they headed into Thursday afternoon's collision with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Brian Snitker's club opened the series with back-to-back losses that dropped the Braves' record to 3-10 in their last 13 games, highlighting the importance of ending the series on a high note.
Things looked promising as the Braves left the eighth inning with a 10-4 lead; however, things fell off the rails after that. The Diamondbacks went on to outscore the Braves 7-0 in the final frame, successfully completing the sweep with an 11-10 win at Truist Park.
It was the first time since 1973 that the Braves lost a game when they entered the ninth inning with a six-run lead, per team radio broadcaster Ben Ingram.
It was another poor performance for Atlanta's bullpen, as relievers Scott Blewett and Raisel Iglesias gave up eight earned runs on 49 pitches across only two innings of work. Unsurprisingly, the abysmal bullpen outing led to the club making an immediate change.
Braves Promote RHP Craig Kimbrel, DFA Scott Blewett Following Collapse vs. Diamondbacks
Immediately after being embarrassed by the Diamondbacks, the Braves have decided to shake up their bullpen.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Atlanta is "summoning Craig Kimbrel from Triple-A" to help give the bullpen a boost. Meanwhile, Blewett, who gave up five earned runs on three hits on Thursday afternoon, has been designated for assignment, according to Braves insider David O'Brien.
It's a huge opportunity for Kimbrel, who joined the Braves on a minor-league contract in March. The nine-time MLB All-Star reliever and four-time NL saves leader has since spent the 2025 campaign with Triple-A Gwinnett, going 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA, three saves, and 17 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings across 15 outings.
Many Braves fans have wanted to see Kimbrel join the big-league bullpen for a while, and now he'll finally get the chance to prove his worth.
Meanwhile, Blewett will be looking to bounce back after being unceremoniously kicked to the curb. The veteran reliever was 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in 14 appearances before imploding against the Diamondbacks, leaving time to tell if his latest outing was a one-off or a sign of worse things to come.
Either way, the Braves now have a week to decide if they'll waive or trade Blewett. If neither of those things happens, the former Kansas City Royals second-rounder can elect for free agency and roll the dice on a potential comeback elsewhere.
A major bullpen shake-up was needed after being embarrassed in front of the Truist Park faithful. Hopefully, the Braves' latest roster moves are the start of a turnaround. Otherwise, Atlanta could be in more trouble than previously thought.