Orioles Designate Veteran Closer Craig Kimbrel for Assignment
Orioles Designate Veteran Closer Craig Kimbrel for Assignment
In a significant roster move, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The decision comes in the wake of Kimbrel's prolonged struggles on the mound, as the 36-year-old pitcher has been unable to find the form that once made him one of the most formidable closers in baseball.
The Orioles have promoted right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk to take Kimbrel's spot on the roster. Baker, 29, has made 17 major league appearances this season and 130 in his career, boasting an overall 108 ERA+.
Kimbrel's Struggles
Kimbrel's recent outings have been anything but encouraging. During a game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, he allowed six runs on three hits and two walks. This performance was emblematic of his struggles since the All-Star break. Kimbrel's ERA, which stood at a respectable 2.80 before the break, has ballooned to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. Over these innings, he gave up 22 runs (20 of them earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, striking out 20 batters in 17 innings. His ERA during this span soared to a staggering 10.59.
As a result of these persistent issues, Kimbrel was removed from his closer's role. Seranthony DomÃnguez has stepped in as the closer for the past month, aiming to bring stability to the Orioles' bullpen.
The Bigger Picture
The Orioles hold a 26-29 record since the All-Star break and are currently four games behind the Yankees in the AL East. Despite their struggles, they maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. General Manager Mike Elias commented on the team's performance, saying, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." He added, "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."
Kimbrel's downturn is particularly notable given his impressive career achievements. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers in this category. However, this season marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, highlighting a continued decline in his effectiveness.
Baker's Opportunity
Bryan Baker's promotion brings new hope to the Orioles' bullpen. While Baker does not have the storied resume that Kimbrel possesses, his consistent performance at the major league level suggests he could offer the stability the team desperately needs. In 17 appearances this season, Baker has demonstrated the potential to carry a heavier load and contribute more significantly to the Orioles' fortunes.
Moving Forward
As the Orioles navigate the final stretch of the season, the decision to designate Kimbrel for assignment marks a pivotal moment. It underscores the team's willingness to make bold moves in pursuit of better results. The promotion of Bryan Baker signifies a fresh approach, with the hope that newfound energy and consistent performance from the bullpen can help the team regain its mojo.
The Orioles' fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how these changes impact the team's overall performance. With the wild-card race heating up, every game counts, and the bullpen's performance will be under constant scrutiny. For now, the spotlight shifts from the veteran Kimbrel to the aspiring Baker, as the Orioles strive to make a strong push towards the postseason.
