Tampa Bay added veteran right‑hander Craig Kimbrel on a major‑league deal Tuesday, filling the roster spot opened by Jesse Scholtens, who landed on the 15‑day injured list with a right‑wrist strain. The Mets designated Kimbrel for assignment after he surrendered 10 runs in 15 innings across 14 outings. The 37‑year‑old brings a wealth of experience.

The Rays sit atop the American League at 34‑17, yet their bullpen posts a 4.40 ERA, ranking 21st overall. Adding Kimbrel, who amassed 440 saves with ten clubs over 17 seasons, aims to tighten late‑inning protection. His 2011 NL Rookie of the Year award and a 2018 World Series ring with Boston underscore his pedigree.

Kimbrel’s arrival gives manager Kevin Cash a proven closer option as the Rays chase postseason positioning. Even a modest improvement could lower the staff’s ERA and preserve leads in tight games. With the bullpen now bolstered, Tampa Bay enters the final stretch equipped to sustain its league‑best record.

Scholtens, who posted a 3.68 ERA in limited action before his wrist problem, is expected to rehab at the team facility. His absence creates a clear path for Kimbrel to assume high‑leverage duties, while the Rays hope the veteran’s composure offsets any short‑term volatility in the back end.