Craig Kimbrel pitches a scoreless inning in his Rays debut after signing a major league deal
Associated Press
1 / 4
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Craig Kimbrel delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Craig Kimbrel returns to the dugout after retiring the side during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Craig Kimbrel delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to the Washington Nationals during the twelfth inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Craig Kimbrel delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
TAMPA, Fla. – Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless inning in his debut for the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night, a few hours after the right-handed reliever was signed to a major league contract.
The 37-year-old Kimbrel came on in the eighth inning of the Rays' 6-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. He struck out Leody Taveras and Jeremiah Jackson before giving up a single on a soft grounder by Colton Cowser. Kimbrel then retired Blaze Alexander on a groundout.
Recommended Videos
The Rays placed right-hander Jesse Scholtens on the 15-day injured list with a right wrist strain to make room for Kimbrel on the active roster.
The New York Mets designated Kimbrel for assignment last Friday after the nine-time All-Star allowed 10 runs over 15 innings in 14 appearances. He signed a free agent contract with the team in January.
Kimbrel has 440 saves with 10 teams in his 17-year career. He won a World Series with Boston in 2018 and was the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year.
The Rays have the AL's best record at 34-18, but their bullpen's ERA of 4.40 entering Tuesday night ranked 21st in the majors.
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.