The Atlanta Braves’ handling of Craig Kimbrel was completely baffling. The Braves in March signed Kimbrel to a minor-league deal. He pitched in three games for Double-A Columbus and was nearly flawless with no hits and only one walk allowed over 3.

The Atlanta Braves have called up franchise career saves leader Craig Kimbrel from the minors a day after having their worst blown ninth-inning lead in more than a half-century.

Kimbrel came on in relief of starter Spencer Schwellenbach on Friday against the Giants and threw a scoreless seventh inning to preserve a 4-4 tie.