Kimbrel made three appearances for Double-A Columbus, not allowing any hits while striking out six and walking one in 3 1/3 innings. If he continues to pitch well in Triple-A, he could join the Braves bullpen soon; although, he’s unlikely to have much fantasy value aside from leagues that count holds as a stat.

Kimbrel made one injury rehab appearance for the Red Sox in 2015 and four for the Cubs in 2019. Aside from those, he hasn’t pitched in the minors since 2010, the year he debuted with the Braves. If all goes well, he could join Atlanta’s pen in a couple of weeks.

Kimbrel will continue ramping up over the next few weeks before heading to Triple-A Gwinnett. The future Hall of Famer, who turns 37 years old in late May, spent five years with the Braves at the outset of his career from 2010-2014. He’s sitting on 440 career saves, which is fifth all-time behind Kenley Jansen, Lee Smith, Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera. It’s unclear whether he has anything left in the tank after posting a calamitous 5.33 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 73/31 K/BB ratio across 52 1/3 innings (57 appearances) last year for the Orioles. He’ll presumably pitch in high-leverage spots helping bridge the gap from Atlanta’s rotation to elite closer Raisel Iglesias.

He was designated for assignment last week. Everyone keeps saying Kimbrel is too inconsistent, but he’s finished with 24, 22, 23 and 23 saves the last four years. What could be more consistent than that?