UNBELIEVEABLE: Atlanta Braves Star Craig Kimbrel’s confounding rehab stint is making his Braves future even cloudier never knew that…see more

In a twist few saw coming, Atlanta Braves veteran closer Craig Kimbrel is making headlines — not for his dominance, but for a rehab stint that has left fans and team officials scratching their heads and asking the same question: Is this the end of the road?

Kimbrel, 36, was placed on the injured list earlier this month with shoulder fatigue, a move initially described as “precautionary.” But what was expected to be a quick tune-up has turned into a confounding and inconsistent rehab assignment, marked by uncharacteristic wildness, decreased velocity, and outings that have team insiders reportedly “deeply concerned” about his future role.

Sources close to the Braves say the club “never knew it could end like this” for the franchise icon, who returned to Atlanta this offseason in what was meant to be a storybook reunion after years of dominance elsewhere. Instead, his time back in a Braves uniform has been marred by blown saves, command issues, and now, uncertainty.

In his latest rehab outing with Triple-A Gwinnett, Kimbrel allowed three earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning, walking two and failing to reach his usual mid-to-upper 90s velocity. Scouts noted that his mechanics appeared off and that his trademark curveball lacked its usual bite.

“He just doesn’t look right,” said one AL scout who observed the outing. “If this is what he’s bringing in late June or July, the Braves have a tough decision coming.”

Manager Brian Snitker was noncommittal when asked about Kimbrel’s timeline, simply stating, “We want Craig to be 100 percent. We’re going to take our time and evaluate.”

Meanwhile, speculation is growing that the Braves could explore bullpen reinforcements via trade if Kimbrel can’t return to form, especially with the team still aiming for a deep postseason run.

For now, what was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming has turned into one of the Braves’ biggest question marks.

Stay tuned as the situation unfolds — and as Kimbrel’s legacy in Atlanta hangs in the balance.