Rays To Designate Craig Kimbrel For Assignment

The Rays have informed right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel that they are designating him for assignment, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. His roster spot will go to righty Freddy Peralta, whom the Rays acquired from the Mets on Sunday.

The well-traveled Kimbrel began the year in the Mets organization after signing a minor league deal in the offseason. The Mets summoned Kimbrel to the majors on April 11, but he only lasted a little over a month in their uniform. After Kimbrel posted a 6.00 ERA over 15 innings, the Mets designated him on May 22. Despite his struggles in New York, Kimbrel landed a big league contract with Tampa Bay after reaching free agency.

Kimbrel got into just one game with the Rays before going on the 15-day injured list with a wrist strain on May 31, though he spent the minimum time on the shelf and returned to make 18 more appearances before they designated him. Overall, Kimbrel pitched to a usable 3.86 ERA in 18 2/3 frames. However, he logged unspectacular strikeout and walk rates of 21.3% and 12.5%, respectively, and benefited from a .240 batting average on balls in play. The 38-year-old also registered an average fastball velocity of under 94 mph, a far cry from the 95 to 97 range the once-great closer lived in from 2010-23. Between the two clubs, he owns a 4.81 ERA with a 22.5% strikeout rate and a 10.1% walk rate in 33 2/3 innings.

The Rays have until Monday’s 5 p.m. CT trade deadline to find a taker for Kimbrel. If that does not happen, Kimbrel will likely reject an outright assignment and return to free agency in the coming days. He took that route after clearing waivers with the Mets earlier this season. With Kimbrel off its roster, Tampa Bay could continue shopping for relief help ahead of the deadline. The Rays are reportedly interested in excellent Padres lefty Adrian Morejon, though it is unclear how aggressive they will pursue him after making a splash on the starter market with the Peralta pickup.