Rays add veteran RHP Craig Kimbrel to bullpen

Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel joined his 11th major league team after signing with the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.

He made an immediate debut, throwing a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday night as the Rays lost 6-1 to the host Baltimore Orioles. Kimbrel struck out the first two batters he faced, allowed a single and then induced an inning-ending groundout.

“I couldn’t be happier to be here,” Kimbrel said pregame. “It’s an amazing opportunity, and I’m trying to make the best of it.”

The nine-time All-Star right-hander became a free agent when he refused a minor league assignment with the New York Mets, who designated him for assignment last week.

Kimbrel, who turns 38 on Thursday, posted an 0-2 record with a 6.00 ERA in 14 outings for the Mets. He struck out 15 batters in 15 innings and did not record a save.

Kimbrel ranks fifth all time with 440 career saves. He led the National League in saves in four straight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, starting with his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2011. Overall, he is 56-50 with a 2.64 ERA in 866 career relief appearances.

The Rays opened a spot on the active roster for Kimbrel by placing right-handed reliever Jesse Scholtens on the 15-day injured list due to a strained right wrist.

Scholtens, 32, blew a save and took the loss against the Orioles on Monday, when he allowed four runs in the 13th inning, capped by Colton Cowser’s walk-off two-run homer. He is 5-3 with a 3.82 ERA through nine games (two starts) this year.

–Field Level Media