Mets 9-time All-Star got an 'adrenaline boost' after promotion

Mets 9-time All-Star got an 'adrenaline boost' after promotion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets (7-7) bullpen has hit a skid in the past two games, as they've been unable to maintain leads. The offense has also been bad, scoring three runs during the three-game losing streak.

To help the bullpens' struggles, the Mets called up veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, who is excited to pitch in the big leagues again.

Craig Kimbrel is excited to get another opportunity to pitch in the big leagues with the New York Mets

“I mean, I get an adrenaline boost every time I get an opportunity to pitch in a big league ball game,” Kimbrel said to SNY Mets. “You know, someone told me a long time ago, as soon as that goes away, it's time to go home. And I still, still have that excitement and adrenaline to go out there and compete and put on a jersey and represent the city, wherever that is. So I'm very excited for this opportunity, and hopefully I can make a difference.”

In 2025, the former Rookie of the Year (2010) pitched for his original team, the Atlanta Braves (one game), and the Houston Astros (an 0-1 record with a 2.45 ERA in 13 games). Kimbrel, 37, signed a minor league contract with the Mets in January 2026 and made three minor league appearances in Port St. Lucie.

The one bugaboo for Walker in the past couple of seasons has been his walks, with his walk percentage increasing from 2023 to 2025.

• 2023 with the Philadelphia Phillies: 10.1%
• 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles: 13.4%
• 2025 with the Braves/Astros: 14.3%

The nine-time All-Star carries 440 saves under his belt and will provide valuable experience to the bullpen.

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