Tampa Bay Rays place Craig Kimbrel on injured list after one game

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Tampa Bay Rays place Craig Kimbrel on injured list after one game

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By James Parker | Last updated May 31, 2026 3:37 PM ET

Less than a week ago, the Tampa Bay Rays signed right-handed closer Craig Kimbrel, but he’s now headed to the injured list after just one appearance.

The Tampa Bay Rays have made the following roster moves:

• Placed RHP Craig Kimbrel (right wrist strain) on the 15-day IL (retro May 28).
• Recalled LHP Cam Booser and RHP Trevor Martin from Triple-A Durham.
• Designated RHP Andrew Wantz for assignment.

— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) May 31, 2026

He was placed on the IL due to a right wrist strain and the move was made retroactive to Thursday.

The MLB veteran pitched just one inning in Tuesday’s loss to the Baltimore Orioles, allowing one hit and recording two strikeouts.

Kimbrel was the National League Rookie of the Year for the Atlanta Braves back in 2010 and has since been named an All-Star nine times.

He helped the Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2018 and is now in his 17th MLB season.

While it’s currently unclear how long Kimbrel will be out, the Rays recalled left-hander Cam Booser and righty Trevor Martin from Triple-A Durham as part of the move.

The Rays have been fantastic this season and came into play on Sunday with the second-best record in baseball at 35-20.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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