History of Craig Kimbrel in Timeline
Craig Kimbrel is a professional baseball pitcher, currently with the Atlanta Braves. Known for his dominant closing abilities, Kimbrel has played for multiple MLB teams including the Braves, Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, and Orioles. A nine-time All-Star, he's also a four-time Reliever of the Year award winner. Kimbrel won a World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, solidifying his reputation as one of the game's premier relief pitchers.
May 28, 1988: Craig Kimbrel Born
On May 28, 1988, Craig Michael Kimbrel was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.
1993: Phillies Playoff Loss
In 1993, Mitch Williams had back-to-back losses in the World Series.
2002: Pitching Statistics
From 2002 to 2012, Craig Kimbrel was tied for third among all pitchers in the highest percentage of pitches that resulted in swinging strikes.
2007: Wallace State Freshman Season
In 2007, as a freshman at Wallace State Community College, Craig Kimbrel had an 8-0 record with a 1.99 ERA, serving as the team's closer and a spot starter.
2007: Braves Draft Selection
In 2007, the Atlanta Braves selected Craig Kimbrel in the 33rd round of the MLB draft, but he chose to remain at Wallace State to improve his draft position.
2008: Drafted by Braves
In 2008, Craig Kimbrel was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round, as the 96th overall selection.
2008: Wallace State Sophomore Season
In 2008, Craig Kimbrel's sophomore year at Wallace State, he had a 9-3 record with a 2.88 ERA, striking out 123 hitters in 81 innings pitched.
May 15, 2010: First MLB Call-Up
On May 15, 2010, Craig Kimbrel received his first call-up from the Gwinnett Braves to replace the injured Jair Jurrjens.
June 4, 2010: Second MLB Call-Up
On June 4, 2010, Craig Kimbrel was called up for the second time in his career to replace Takashi Saito.
September 19, 2010: First MLB Save
On September 19, 2010, Craig Kimbrel earned his first major league save against the New York Mets.
April 21, 2011: First Career Save Blown
On April 21, 2011, Craig Kimbrel blew his first career save opportunity.
June 3, 2011: Most Saves by NL Rookie Before All-Star Break
On June 3, 2011, Craig Kimbrel passed the record for most saves by a National League rookie before the All-Star break.
July 22, 2011: Braves Rookie Record for Saves in a Season
On July 22, 2011, Craig Kimbrel broke the Braves rookie record for saves in a season, recording his 31st save.
August 9, 2011: Tied NL Rookie Record for Saves
On August 9, 2011, Craig Kimbrel tied the National League rookie record for saves in a season with 36.
August 2011: NL Rookie of the Month
In August 2011, Craig Kimbrel was named the NL Rookie of the Month and Delivery Man of the Month.
August 21, 2011: 100th Strikeout and 39th Save
On August 21, 2011, Craig Kimbrel recorded his 100th strikeout, along with his 39th save of the season, marking a streak of over 30 innings without allowing a run.
August 23, 2011: Tied Rookie Save Record
On August 23, 2011, Craig Kimbrel tied the rookie save record with his 40th save of the season.
September 9, 2011: Scoreless Inning Streak Ends
On September 9, 2011, Craig Kimbrel's scoreless inning streak ended after 38+1⁄3 innings.
2011: Rookie of the Year and Rookie Saves Record
In 2011, Craig Kimbrel was named the Atlanta Braves' closer, set an MLB rookie record with 46 saves, and was awarded the National League Rookie of the Year Award. He also led the NL in saves from 2011-2014.
2011: All-Star Selection
In 2011, Craig Kimbrel was selected to the All-Star Game during his first full season in the majors, chosen as a replacement for Matt Cain.
2011: National League Rookie of the Year
In 2011, Craig Kimbrel was unanimously selected as the National League Rookie of the Year.
2011: Fastball Ranking
In the 2011 season, Craig Kimbrel's four-seam fastball was the 12th-fastest among Major League relievers, and he threw the hardest curveball.
September 2012: Delivery Man of the Month
In September 2012, Craig Kimbrel won the Delivery Man of the Month Award.
2012: Pitching Statistics
From 2002 to 2012, Craig Kimbrel was tied for third among all pitchers in the highest percentage of pitches that resulted in swinging strikes.
2012: No Lead-Off Doubles
In 2012, Craig Kimbrel did not surrender a single lead-off double while playing with the Braves.
2012: Dominant Season and Accolades
In 2012, Craig Kimbrel led the National League with 42 saves and won the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award, finishing fifth in Cy Young Award voting and eighth in MVP voting.
2012: Marriage to Ashley Holt
In 2012, Craig Kimbrel married Ashley Holt.
May 9, 2013: 100th Career Save
On May 9, 2013, Craig Kimbrel earned his 100th save, becoming the second youngest player in MLB history to reach that mark.
July 27, 2013: Third 30-Save Season
On July 27, 2013, Craig Kimbrel became the second Atlanta pitcher after John Smoltz to have three 30-save seasons.
August 17, 2013: Braves Consecutive Saves Record
On August 17, 2013, Craig Kimbrel surpassed John Smoltz's Braves record of 27 consecutive saves.
2013: World Baseball Classic
In 2013, Craig Kimbrel was named the closer for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
February 16, 2014: Contract Extension with Braves
On February 16, 2014, Craig Kimbrel agreed to a four-year, $42 million extension with the Braves through 2017, with an option for 2018.
April 25, 2014: Fastest to 400 Strikeouts
On April 25, 2014, Craig Kimbrel became the fastest pitcher ever to reach 400 strikeouts, achieving the mark in 236 innings.
June 6, 2014: Franchise Leader in Saves
On June 6, 2014, Craig Kimbrel recorded his 155th save, surpassing John Smoltz as the Atlanta Braves' franchise leader in saves.
August 29, 2014: 40th Save of the Season
On August 29, 2014, Craig Kimbrel recorded his 40th save of the season, becoming the third pitcher to reach that single-season milestone in four straight seasons.
2014: Led NL in Saves
From 2011-2014, Craig Kimbrel led the National League in saves.
April 5, 2015: Traded to San Diego Padres
On April 5, 2015, Craig Kimbrel was traded to the San Diego Padres along with Melvin Upton, Jr., in exchange for Carlos Quentin, Cameron Maybin, and prospects.
June 2015: 200th Career Save
In June 2015, Craig Kimbrel recorded his 200th career save while playing for the San Diego Padres.
November 13, 2015: Traded to Boston Red Sox
On November 13, 2015, the San Diego Padres traded Craig Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for prospects.
July 8, 2016: Knee Injury
On July 8, 2016, Craig Kimbrel injured his knee during warmups, later revealed to be a medial meniscus tear requiring surgery.
May 11, 2017: Immaculate Inning
On May 11, 2017, Craig Kimbrel struck out the side on nine consecutive pitches, achieving an immaculate inning.
November 3, 2017: Daughter Born with Heart Defects
On November 3, 2017, Craig Kimbrel's daughter, Lydia Joy, was born with heart defects and has undergone two surgeries.
May 5, 2018: 300th Career Save
On May 5, 2018, Craig Kimbrel recorded his 300th career save in a game against the Texas Rangers, achieving it in fewer games and at a younger age than any other pitcher.
May 2018: 300th Career Save
In May 2018, Craig Kimbrel, playing for the Boston Red Sox, achieved his 300th career save, becoming the youngest pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone.
October 2018: Strikeout Rate
As of October 2018, Craig Kimbrel had a career strikeouts per nine innings rate of 14.7.
2018: World Series Champion
In 2018, Craig Kimbrel was a World Series champion.
June 7, 2019: Signed with Chicago Cubs
On June 7, 2019, Craig Kimbrel signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs for a reported $43 million.
August 5, 2019: Placed on IL
On August 5, 2019, Craig Kimbrel was placed on the injured list (IL) due to knee inflammation.
August 18, 2019: Reactivated from IL
On August 18, 2019, Craig Kimbrel was reactivated from the injured list (IL).
May 26, 2021: Advanced to 11th on All-Time Saves List
On May 26, 2021, Craig Kimbrel advanced to 11th on the all-time saves list after the Cubs beat the Pirates.
June 24, 2021: Combined No-Hitter
On June 24, 2021, Craig Kimbrel pitched in a combined no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with other pitchers.
July 30, 2021: Traded to White Sox
On July 30, 2021, Craig Kimbrel was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Chicago White Sox for Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer.
April 1, 2022: Traded to the Dodgers
On April 1, 2022, Craig Kimbrel was traded by the White Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers for A. J. Pollock.
2022: White Sox Exercise Option
In 2022, the White Sox exercised Craig Kimbrel's $16 million option.
January 4, 2023: Signed with Phillies
On January 4, 2023, Craig Kimbrel signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
May 26, 2023: 400 Career Saves
On May 26, 2023, Craig Kimbrel became the eighth major-league pitcher to achieve 400 career saves.
December 6, 2023: Signed with Orioles
On December 6, 2023, Craig Kimbrel signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, including a club option for 2025.
2023: Struggles in NLCS
During the 2023 National League Championship Series, Craig Kimbrel was the losing pitcher in Games 3 and 4, marking a significant challenge in his career.
September 18, 2024: Designated for Assignment
On September 18, 2024, Craig Kimbrel was designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles after a poor performance.
2025: Club Option
Craig Kimbrel's deal with the Baltimore Orioles includes a club option for the 2025 season.
