The Kansas City Royals added a veteran pitcher to their big-league roster.
The Kansas City Royals bullpen has been a major problem this year. They added left-hander Matt Strahm this past offseason in a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies to handle high-leverage moments, but he was officially released this past weekend after clearing waivers. During his time with the Royals, Strahm owned a 7.32 ERA.
In 45 appearances this year, Lucas Erceg has also been a massive disappointment owning an ERA of 6.07. Right-hander Carlos Estevez, who led the entire league in saves just last year, has played just one game this season due to a right rotator cuff strain. It is unclear if he will make his way back to an MLB mound.
As a result, the Royals have turned everywhere to address their biggest weakness. On Sunday, they decided to bring on a player entering the final stages of his career.
"Craig Kimbrel is signing with Royals. MLB deal," reported Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
Kimbrel was added straight to the big-league roster, which makes sense considering how dire the Royals bullpen situation is. When he makes his first appearance it will officially mark the 12th organization he has pitched for at the big-league level.
Kimbrel is currently in his 17th MLB season and carries one of the most impressive resumes ever assembled by a relief pitcher, starting with his National League Rookie of the Year award in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves.
Since then he has collected 440 career saves, fifth most in MLB history, earned nine All-Star selections and will almost certainly be headed to the Hall of Fame once he becomes eligible.
However, Kimbrel is now 38 years old and his best days are clearly behind him. Kansas City marks his third team this season after being designated for assignment by both the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays.
Through 33 appearances with both clubs he has posted a 4.81 ERA. He still has struck out 32 hitters in 33 2/3 innings but is no longer limiting hard contact the way he once did.
Still, he should be a useful addition for a depleted Royals bullpen. They have very little to lose at this point in the year, and he may even be called upon in higher-leverage situations just based off his experience. For a future Hall of Famer who still wants to compete, Kansas City is the perfect landing spot to finish out the season with meaningful opportunities.
