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44m ago

Astros Agree to Major-League Deal With Craig Kimbrel

Houston seeks late-inning help after Josh Hader's shoulder sprain.

Jun 6, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) looks at the catcher against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images/ File Photo
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Craig Kimbrel #31 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammates after defeating the American League 3-2 during the 93rd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at T-Mobile Park on July 11, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.
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Overview

  • Multiple outlets report Kimbrel will join the big-league roster on a major-league contract after receiving his release from the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate earlier Thursday.
  • Reports indicate the signing is expected to be made official Friday, positioning Kimbrel to be postseason-eligible if finalized before Sept. 1.
  • Kimbrel, 37, is a nine-time All-Star with 440 career saves, but he has just one MLB appearance this season after a June call-up and DFA by Atlanta.
  • He posted solid minor-league results in 2025, including a 3.86 ERA and five saves at Triple-A Round Rock, though his fastball has sat around 92–93 mph per Statcast.
  • The move comes as Houston’s bullpen performance has slid since July and the club holds a 1.5-game AL West lead, with Bryan Abreu handling key late-inning work in Hader’s absence.