Red Sox Activate All-Star Closer Craig Kimbrel From DL After Knee Surgery

The Boston Red Sox didn’t make a major splash in the trade market on deadline day, but they didn’t need to.

Boston activated All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel on Monday, shortly after Major League Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline passed at 4 p.m. ET. He’ll be available for the Red Sox’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.

Right-handed reliever Joe Kelly was sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room on Boston’s 25-man roster.

Kimbrel was placed on the disabled list July 9 after suffering a tear in the medial meniscus of his left knee. He underwent surgery and made a full recovery, leading to his quick return.

Prior to the DL stint, Kimbrel was 1-3 with a 3.55 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 34 appearances, 28 of which were scoreless.

The Red Sox also acquired left-handed reliever Fernando Abad on Monday from the Minnesota Twins to bolster their bullpen.

Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images

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