Mets designate – Craig Kimbrel’s short Mets stint ends after New York designated the veteran reliever for assignment. He appeared in 14 games, allowed 10 runs in 15 innings, and pitched the final 2 2/3 innings of the Mets’ 8-4 loss at Washington before giving up a two-run home
MIAMI — The New York Mets designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment on Friday, closing a brief run with the club and immediately opening the door for someone else to take over in the bullpen.
Kimbrel appeared in 14 games for New York and allowed 10 runs across 15 innings. His final Mets appearance came in the Mets’ 8-4 loss at Washington on Wednesday, when he pitched the final 2 2/3 innings and surrendered a two-run home run to Jacob Young.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t dress it up when discussing the move. “Super tough,” Mendoza said Friday of the decision to part ways with Kimbrel. “He understood. He was very professional but it wasn’t an easy one for me when we talked to him last night.”
The designation marks a rapid turn in Kimbrel’s Mets storyline. The 37-year-old signed a free agent deal in January and became the 10th major league stop of his career. While he posted nine scoreless outings, he also gave up multiple runs in three of his five other appearances.
Kimbrel’s résumé is still the kind teams can’t ignore. The right-hander has 440 saves in his 17-year career and is a nine-time All-Star. Under New York’s decision. another team can claim him off waivers. and Mendoza said there is a path back: a scenario exists in which Kimbrel could return to the Mets if he isn’t claimed.
To fill the immediate gap, the Mets recalled right-handed pitcher Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse in the corresponding move.
Mets Craig Kimbrel Jonah Tong MLB designated for assignment waiver claims Carlos Mendoza