Braves DFA Kimbrel after 1 appearance 5v5c63

The Atlanta Braves designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment, the club announced Saturday. 1h2257

Atlanta recalled left-hander Austin Cox in a corresponding roster move.

Kimbrel made his first appearance of the season Friday in a 5-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants, pitching a scoreless inning with one strikeout, one walk, and one hit.

The outing marked Kimbrel's return to Atlanta after g a minor-league contract in March to reunite with the team where he started his career.

The 37-year-old averaged just 91.5 mph with his fastball Friday, nearly three miles per hour slower than last season.

The Braves have lost five straight contests and eight of 10 overall, falling 12 games behind the NL East lead and eight out of a wild-card spot.