The Orioles Shake Up Bullpen, Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment
In a significant move amid a challenging stretch of the season, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The decision comes in the wake of a series of underwhelming performances from the 36-year-old pitcher and reflects the team’s effort to tighten its bullpen as the race for the playoffs intensifies.
In a corresponding move, the Orioles have called up right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. Baker, who is 29 years old, has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and boasts 130 in his career. With an overall 108 ERA+, Baker’s presence is expected to bolster the Orioles' relief corps at a critical juncture.
Kimbrel's recent struggles have been troubling. The seasoned closer, known for his storied career and ranking fifth all-time in saves, has seen his ERA swell significantly. After maintaining a respectable 2.80 ERA before the All-Star Game, Kimbrel's performance plummeted in his subsequent 18 appearances. During this stretch, he has allowed 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, while managing to strike out 20 batters across 17 innings. His ERA during these innings ballooned to a staggering 10.59.
The tipping point appears to have come after a particularly rough outing against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, where Kimbrel conceded six runs on three hits and two walks. This decline has not only impacted his personal stats but also led to a reconfiguration of the Orioles' bullpen roles, with Seranthony Domínguez taking over as the closer over the past month.
General Manager Mike Elias commented on the team's recent struggles, stating, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months. There are reasons for it that are obvious, but a lot of it is we've got people here that are experiencing a downturn -- whether it's themselves or the team." Elias' remarks underscore the broader issues facing the Orioles, particularly as the team endeavors to clinch a spot in the postseason.
Indeed, the Orioles have posted a 26-29 record since the All-Star break and currently trail the New York Yankees by four games in the AL East. Despite these challenges, they still possess a four-game lead in the AL wild-card race, giving them a fighting chance as the season winds down.
Kimbrel's designation marks his third season since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, reflecting his struggles to maintain the dominance that once defined his career. Although his tenure with the Orioles may be coming to an end, Kimbrel's legacy as one of the game's premier closers remains intact, ranking second among active pitchers in saves.
As the Orioles push forward, the addition of Baker aims to shore up a bullpen that has seen its fair share of turbulence. With his solid track record and fresh arm, Baker offers a glimmer of stability in a critical period for the club.
With the postseason picture still in flux, every decision counts, and the Orioles' latest bullpen adjustments could prove pivotal in determining their fate as October approaches. Fans will be watching closely to see if these moves can reignite the team’s earlier momentum and guide them to a successful conclusion to the season.