The Atlanta Braves have designated longtime reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment, a surprising decision considering his storied career. Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star, made his season debut on Friday, throwing a scoreless inning against the San Francisco Giants, but it wasn't enough to secure his spot. Having returned to the Braves after a minor league deal in March, Kimbrel ranks fifth all-time with 440 saves and enjoyed a dominant stretch from 2011 to 2014, leading the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons.

In a parallel move, the Braves recalled left-hander Austin Cox from Triple-A Gwinnett, who last pitched in the majors for the Kansas City Royals this year. Kimbrel’s exit marks the end of an era and raises questions about his future in the league as he navigates this unexpected transition.