Craig Kimbrel pitches a scoreless inning in his Rays debut after signing a major league deal

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless inning in his debut for the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night, a few hours after the right-handed reliever was signed to a major league contract.

The 37-year-old Kimbrel came on in the eighth inning of the Rays' 6-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. He struck out Leody Taveras and Jeremiah Jackson before giving up a single on a soft grounder by Colton Cowser. Kimbrel then retired Blaze Alexander on a groundout.

The Rays placed right-hander Jesse Scholtens on the 15-day injured list with a right wrist strain to make room for Kimbrel on the active roster.

The New York Mets designated Kimbrel for assignment last Friday after the nine-time All-Star allowed 10 runs over 15 innings in 14 appearances. He signed a free agent contract with the team in January.

Kimbrel has 440 saves with 10 teams in his 17-year career. He won a World Series with Boston in 2018 and was the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year.

The Rays have the AL's best record at 34-18, but their bullpen's ERA of 4.40 entering Tuesday night ranked 21st in the majors.

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Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Craig Kimbrel delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Craig Kimbrel returns to the dugout after retiring the side during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Craig Kimbrel delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel throws to the Washington Nationals during the twelfth inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Arizona third baseman Nolan Arenado left the Diamondbacks’ 7-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night in the seventh inning because of groin tightness.

Arenado was replaced at third base by Jose Fernandez to start the bottom of the seventh after going 1 for 2 with a walk and a run scored. The Diamondbacks announced Arenado was removed with tightness in his right groin.

“I told (Arenado) let’s be smart about this," manager Torey Lovullo said after the win. “He’s day to day, so we’ll see how he feels tonight and tomorrow morning. We feel like he’s going to be OK, feel like he’s in a good spot.”

In the locker room, Arenado said he felt his groin tighten in the second inning while running from first to home. He then felt it worsen in the sixth after beating out a grounder to reach first base.

“Obviously, a little tight right now, but I didn’t feel a pull or anything,” Arenado said. “It was more precautionary than anything."

Arenado will not undergo imaging on his right groin.

The 10-time Gold Glove winner and eight-time All-Star is hitting .271 overall with seven home runs and 27 RBIs in his first season with Arizona. Arenado was acquired from St. Louis along with $31 million in January for right-hander Jack Martinez.

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Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado fields a ground ball hit by San Francisco Giants' Casey Schmitt, which was turned into a double play, during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, May 25, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)