Kimbrel Stays with Mets After Missing Opening Day Roster

Veteran relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel has elected to remain with the New York Mets organization after being informed he will not make the team's Opening Day roster. The 37-year-old right-hander, who signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, made the decision Sunday in Port St. Lucie, Florida, forgoing an opt-out clause that would have allowed him to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star with 440 career saves, competed for the final spot in the Mets' bullpen during the Grapefruit League. He appeared in six games, posting a 4.50 ERA over six innings, allowing three runs on four hits and five walks while striking out five. His four-seam fastball averaged 92.5 mph, down from the triple-digit velocities of his prime. The spot ultimately went to one of two left-handers, Bryan Hudson or Richard Lovelady, as the Mets finalized their 26-man roster ahead of Thursday's season opener at Citi Field against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"My goal was to make the Opening Day roster. I am a little disappointed in that, but that is all on me and what I showed this spring so far," Kimbrel said Monday at the team's spring facility. He attributed the...