Orioles Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment Amid Struggling Season
Orioles Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment Amid Struggling Season
The Baltimore Orioles have announced the designation of veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment, marking a significant shift in their bullpen lineup. In a corresponding move, the team has promoted right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk to bolster their pitching staff.
Craig Kimbrel, a seasoned 36-year-old pitcher, has faced a challenging stretch with a performance that has left much to be desired. During a recent game against the San Francisco Giants, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks, an outing emblematic of his struggles this season.
Kimbrel's early-season form suggested promise, as evidenced by his 2.80 ERA leading up to the All-Star Game. However, his performance has significantly deteriorated since then. Over his last 18 appearances, his ERA has escalated to 5.33. In this time frame, Kimbrel has given up 22 runs, 20 of which were earned, on 22 hits and 15 walks. Despite striking out 20 batters across 17 innings, his ERA over those innings ballooned to 10.59.
A Shift in the Bullpen
Consequently, Kimbrel was removed from the closer's role, a position he has excelled in for much of his career. With Kimbrel struggling, the Orioles entrusted Seranthony Domínguez with the closer's responsibilities over the past month. Domínguez's promotion reflects the organization’s effort to stabilize their bullpen during a period of turbulence.
Kimbrel’s current season marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, an uncharacteristic stat line for someone who ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers in that category. The decline in his performance has been part of the larger set of challenges facing the Orioles.
Urioles’ Struggles Post All-Star Break
Since the All-Star break, the Orioles have posted a 26-29 record, a downturn that has seen them fall four games behind the Yankees in the fiercely competitive AL East. Despite this, the team maintains a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race, keeping hopes alive for a postseason berth.
General Manager Mike Elias has acknowledged the recent struggles, stating, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." He further elaborated, "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."
New Hope with Bryan Baker
Amid these challenges, the promotion of Bryan Baker offers a glimmer of hope for the Orioles bullpen. At 29 years old, Baker has already accumulated 17 major league appearances this season and a total of 130 in his career. With an overall ERA+ of 108, he presents a potentially stabilizing presence for a bullpen in flux. Baker’s performance at the major league level suggests that he can contribute meaningfully as the team charts the course for the remainder of the season.
The Orioles' decision to designate Kimbrel for assignment underscores the urgency of addressing immediate needs while also providing opportunities for other pitchers to step up. As the team looks to reverse its recent fortunes, the focus will be on each player's ability to deliver consistent and effective performances in critical moments.
In a season filled with highs and lows, the Orioles' journey continues to be a testament to the unpredictability and relentless competition of Major League Baseball. While the move to DFA Kimbrel marks the end of a chapter, the promotion of Bryan Baker ushers in a new opportunity for the team to recalibrate and push forward.
