WATCH: Craig Kimbrel discusses his Iowa debut

Craig Kimbrel looked like his usual self in his Iowa Cubs debut on Tuesday. (Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

Cole Little - Senior Writer - Wednesday, June 19 2019

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Closer Craig Kimbrel continued along his path to joining the Chicago Cubs by making his debut for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Tuesday. Marking the first in-game appearance by Kimbrel as part of the Cubs organization, the reliever went three up, three down in his lone inning on the mound. Using only eight pitches en route to collecting three outs, Kimbrel looked like his usual self.

Following Iowa's clash with the Sacramento River Cats, Kimbrel talked with the media about his debut and his timetable for reappearing in the big leagues. Saying that he felt great in his 1-inning stint, Kimbrel also told reporters that his number of appearances in the minors had nothing to do with when he would join the Cubs. Instead, Kimbrel's acclimation to toeing the rubber once again is the primary focus, as the Cubs' front office wants Kimbrel to be as prepared as possible before he takes the hill for the North Siders with a save opportunity on the line.

Craig Kimbrel went 1-2-3 in his first inning as a member of the #Cubs organization ?? pic.twitter.com/NmH8ZOWjJR
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