Astros agree to a deal with All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel

Astros agree to a deal with All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Houston Astros have been battling injuries within the pitching staff late into the regular season as they continue to stay atop the AL West division.

With a 69-58 record, the Astros have a 1.5-game lead on the Seattle Mariners for the top spot. Both teams are heading into Thursday on a losing streak.

After losing the closing pitcher, Josh Hader, for the rest of the regular season and possibly longer, with a shoulder strain, the Astros have looked to find someone to pair with Bryan Abreu to continue to take on the workload in the bullpen.

Astros agree to terms with closer Craig Kimbrel

Although Bryan Abreu has done well so far this season, if Josh Hader won't be able to play in the postseason, the Astros will need to go out and find another closer.

On Thursday, Houston did just that. According to multiple reports, the Astros agreed to a contract with nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel.

Kimbrel, 37, has recently struggled to stay on an MLB roster. After signing a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves during the offseason, the Braves released him after just one appearance. He would then go on to sign with the Texas Rangers, but would never appear in a game before getting released.

While the Astros deal with bullpen injuries, they figured that they would give Kimbrel a shot. The World Series champion has experience in the postseason and could be someone to rely on if Houston can make a push this October.

Kimbrel is known for being one of the greatest closers of all time during his peak. In 16 seasons in the major leagues, Kimbrel has been named to nine All-Star games, won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, is a four-time NL saves leader, and is one of two relievers in MLB history that's won a Reliever of the Year Award in both leagues.