Ex-Braves star on Columbus Clingstones roster for 1st home game at Synovus Park

The Columbus Clingstones are set to have their inaugural home game Tuesday and a former Braves star is set to be part of the roster.

Veteran closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel will join the Columbus Clingstones roster for their first home game in the newly renovated Synovus Park, according to a news release from the team.

This will be Kimbrel’s first appearance with a Braves Double-A affiliate since 2009, according to the release. Kimbrel won National League Rookie of the Year in 2011 with a rookie save record of 46.

Kimbrel ranks fifth all-time in saves, with 440 career major league saves. He won the 2018 World Series with the Boston Red Sox.

Kimbrel hasn’t pitched for the Braves organization since 2014.

MLB.com reported Kimbrel, 36, posted a 5.33 ERA over 57 appearances for the Orioles last year before being designated for assignment in September. He reunited with the Braves last month, when he signed a minor league contract.

This story was originally published April 14, 2025 at 5:20 PM.

Kelby Hutchison

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.