In a move that signals a shift in their bullpen strategy, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The decision comes after a series of underwhelming performances from the 36-year-old pitcher, culminating in a difficult game against the San Francisco Giants, where Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks.
To fill Kimbrel's spot, the Orioles promoted right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. The 29-year-old Baker is no stranger to the major leagues, having made 17 appearances this season and 130 in his career. With an overall ERA+ of 108, the Orioles are hopeful that he can provide the stability that Kimbrel struggled to maintain.
A Downward Spiral
Kimbrel's tenure with the Orioles has been a rollercoaster. Before the All-Star Game, his ERA was a respectable 2.80. However, over his last 18 appearances, Kimbrel's performance has faltered significantly, with his ERA ballooning to 5.33. During this span, he gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, striking out 20 batters over 17 innings. This resulted in an alarming ERA of 10.59 over those appearances.
Given these struggles, it was no surprise when Kimbrel was removed from the closer's role, a position that has since been occupied by Seranthony DomÃnguez for the past month.
Leadership Acknowledges Challenges
Mike Elias, reflecting on the team's performance, acknowledged the difficulties the Orioles have faced. "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months," Elias stated. He went on to explain, "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."
Season Overview
For Kimbrel, this season marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90. Despite his struggles, Kimbrel's career remains decorated. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and is second among active pitchers in the same category.
The Orioles, holding a 26-29 record since the All-Star break, are navigating a precarious position in the AL East. They sit four games behind the Yankees but maintain a four-game lead in the AL wild-card race. The addition of Bryan Baker is seen as a potential boost to help secure their postseason aspirations.
Baker's consistent performance at the major league level provides a glimmer of hope for the Orioles' bullpen. With the team's playoff hopes still very much alive, the coming weeks will reveal if this strategic change can steer the Orioles back on track.
Kimbrel's departure underscores the often harsh realities of professional baseball, where performance is paramount, and past accolades offer little solace during tough periods. As the Orioles look to regroup and push for a strong finish, the spotlight now turns to Baker and the rest of the bullpen to deliver when it matters most.