Kimbrel, a potential future Hall of Famer, began his career in Atlanta in 2010. From 2011, when he won National League Rookie of the Year, to 2014, Kimbrel made four All-Star Games, finished top-10 in Cy Young Award voting all four times, including two times in the top five, and garnered a top-10 Most Valuable Player finish.

The Braves signed Kimbrel to a minor league deal during spring training, but he didn't make the major league roster. In 18 minor league appearances this season (15 for Gwinnett), he had a 2.00 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 18 innings with 8 walks and 9 hits allowed.

The reliever and nine-time All-Star was designated for assignment in an abrupt decision by the Braves on Saturday, which is one outing and one day after Kimbrel was called up from the minors. On Friday night, the 37-year-old made his season debut in Atlanta’s 5-4 loss to the Giants.