The cavalry may be on its way for the Atlanta Braves, and his name is Craig Kimbrel.
Let’s be honest: the 2025 season hasn’t exactly started the way anyone in Braves Country had hoped. There are a few sluggish bats here, a couple of bullpen implosions there, and suddenly, you’ve got fans throwing their hands up, wondering where the spark will come from.
Even guys like Austin Riley and Matt Olson — cornerstones of this team — are voicing their frustration, which tells you all you need to know about the current vibes inside that clubhouse.
But now, just when things look like they need a jolt, cue the dramatic music because Craig Kimbrel might be about to come striding in from stage right like a bearded bullpen gunslinger.
A Familiar Face With Something Still to Prove
Look, it’s been a while. The flame-throwing Kimbrel who used to stalk the mound in the ninth inning at Turner Field with that iconic stork-like pose isn’t quite the same guy today.
Age has a say, as it always does. But don’t mistake “veteran” for “washed.” This guy is still a competitor. And right now, he’s doing some serious talking with his pitches.
In his second rehab outing in the minors — this one against the surging Pensacola Blue Wahoos — Kimbrel faced four batters. He struck out all four. That’s not just solid, that’s filthy.
Yes, it’s Double-A. Yes, we need to pump the brakes just a little. But dominance is dominance, and Pensacola’s lineup isn’t exactly a bunch of scrubs. They’ve got real talent, and Kimbrel made them look like they were guessing.
Braves Nostalgia Meets Necessity
What we’re seeing here isn’t just a nostalgia trip. This isn’t just about giving fans warm fuzzy feelings when the bullpen gate opens and “Welcome to the Jungle” hits the speakers.
No, this is about the Braves potentially getting a serious weapon back. Getting a guy who’s been through the fire, knows how to pitch under pressure, and clearly still has some juice in that right arm.
Sure, the storylines write themselves — fan favorite returns home, legacy player gets one last hurrah — but Kimbrel’s outing says this might be more than just a feel-good cameo.
The Braves bullpen could use some backbone right now. If Kimbrel can bring some swagger and stability to those late innings, Atlanta might just start flipping some of those close games back in their favor.
Is a Call-Up Just Days Away?
The front office is watching. The fans are watching. Even the other guys in that bullpen probably just sat up a little straighter. Don’t be shocked if we see a roster move sooner than expected. If this version of Kimbrel keeps showing up, Atlanta’s not going to want to wait around.
Our best guess? One more strong appearance in the minors, and that phone call is coming maybe as early as this weekend. So stay tuned and keep your eyes on that bullpen gate — Craig Kimbrel may be walking through it again, and this time, he might just bring a spark that lights the whole thing up.
