Bryan Abreu has taken over as the closer, but with one of the game's best setup men being moved out of his usual role, the Astros felt like they needed to add another experience backend reliever, opting to sign Craig Kimbrel for the stretch run.

Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel will add a fresh arm to the Astros' ailing bullpen as they try to hold on to their lead in the AL West.

Houston agreed to a contract with right-handed reliever and nine-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel early Thursday evening, as first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan. Kimbrel, who has pitched for eight teams across the last 16 years, will reportedly join the Astros' big league club as early as this weekend's series at the Baltimore Orioles.