Craig Kimbrel has finally made it to the Cubs bullpen — and none too soon.
After Chicago lost for the 10th time in its last 16 games Wednesday to the Braves, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said the seven-time All-Star was “on his way right now” to join the club.
👀 Spotted near the #Cubs clubhouse. 👀#VoteCubs: https://t.co/gdRdxZdk6d pic.twitter.com/3zqKnb08EV
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 26, 2019
Kimbrel was officially recalled from Triple-A Iowa and added to Chicago’s 25-man roster Thursday. He should be available to pitch in the series finale against the Braves.
The #Cubs today recalled RHP Craig Kimbrel from @IowaCubs. RHP Tony Barnette has been optioned to Triple-A.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 27, 2019
(📸 @dylan_heuer) pic.twitter.com/Yt8oqBudk0
Kimbrel, 31, most recently pitched a clean ninth inning at Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. He totaled four appearances with Iowa allowing one run in 3 2/3 innings since signing a three-year, $43 million deal with the Cubs three weeks ago.
Chicago (43-37) has struggled recently with a 14-19 record over the last five weeks and hold a slim one-game lead over the Brewers (42-38) in the NL Central. The Cardinals are only 2 1/2 games back of the Cubs, while the Pirates and Reds are still in the mix at five and six games back, respectively.
Kimbrel saved 42 games and posted a 2.74 ERA last season for Boston. He has 333 career saves with a 1.91 ERA over nine seasons with the Braves, Padres and Red Sox.