On Thursday, the Atlanta Braves will look to sweep the Miami Marlins at Truist Park.
They have won the first two games in the series, most recently taking Wednesday’s game by a score of 4-1.
Atlanta Braves Legend Becomes MLB Free Agent
GettyCraig Kimbrel #46 of the Tampa Bay Rays delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on July 30, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida.
Also on Thursday, news came out that a Braves legend had elected free agency.
Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times wrote: “#Rays RHP Chase Solesky, DFA’d earlier this week, was claimed off waivers by #Reds. RHP Craig Kimbrel cleared waivers and will elect free agency”
Kimbrel had appeared in 19 games for the Rays.
He went 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA.
Looking At Kimbrel’s MLB Career
GettyCraig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after recording the final out of the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Turner Field on July 21, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kimbrel had spent the first five seasons of his MLB career with the Braves.
In that span, he made four MLB All-Star Games.
The 38-year-old briefly returned to the franchise during the middle of the 2025 season.
Rays Communications wrote (on August 3): “The Tampa Bay Rays have activated RHP Freddy Peralta and designated RHP Craig Kimbrel for assignment. Additionally, RHP Alex Cook has been optioned to Triple-A Durham.”
GettyCraig Kimbrel #46 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 24, 2012 in Miami, Florida. The Atlanta Braves defeated the Miami Marlins 4-3.
Kimbrel was picked in the 3rd round of the 2008 MLB Draft.
He has also had stints with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets and Houston Astros over 17 seasons.
The nine-time MLB All-Star helped the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series title.
In addition, Kimbrel had 440 career saves.
Looking At The Braves Right Now
GettyManager Walt Weiss #22 of the Atlanta Braves calls for Didier Fuentes #72 from the bullpen in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on August 05, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Braves are currently the first-place team in the National League East with a 69-45 record in 114 games.
After their series with the Marlins, the Braves will then visit Ben Rice and the New York Yankees on Friday night in the Bronx.
Atlanta Braves Legend Becomes MLB Free Agent After Release From Current Team