Kimbrel returns to Braves, aims to revive performance

Craig Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher, is making a comeback with the Atlanta Braves after struggling last season due to back issues. Kimbrel, known for his powerful fastball, revealed that his back pain affected his performance, particularly in the second half of last season when his stats fell significantly. Last year, Kimbrel had a promising start with the Baltimore Orioles, posting a 2.10 ERA and 23 saves prior to July. However, his performance deteriorated afterwards, leading to an 11.50 ERA over his last appearances before being released in September. Kimbrel admitted the end of the season was tough for him and he had to deal with various struggles. He explained that his back issues accumulated over years of pitching, affecting his lower body and drive. Despite not throwing as hard as before, Kimbrel believes he can still perform at a high level when healthy. His average fastball speed has dropped considerably, but he remains confident in his abilities. Kimbrel is returning to the Braves, the team where he had his most success early in his career. He made an impact in his first seasons, leading the National League in saves multiple times. The Braves signed him to a minor league deal, allowing him to prove himself before rejoining the major league roster. As Kimbrel continues to ramp up his training in the minors, the Braves are hopeful he can replicate his strong first-half performance from last season. Manager Brian Snitker expressed excitement about Kimbrel rejoining the team, seeing him as a valuable addition to the bullpen, especially with his experience and history. Kimbrel is also looking forward to a special game in August at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he plans to share the experience with his father.