The Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment, marking the end of a turbulent period for the 36-year-old pitcher. In the wake of this move, the Orioles have called up right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the roster spot.
Kimbrel's Decline
Kimbrel's struggles on the mound have been evident over his last 18 appearances, where he posted a concerning 10.59 ERA, allowing 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks in just 17 innings. These recent performances starkly contrast his pre-All-Star Game ERA of 2.80, highlighting a significant downturn in his form. Notably, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks during a game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, raising further alarms.
This season will be Kimbrel's third, since 2019, with an ERA+ below 90, indicating that the challenges he faced were not an isolated incident but part of a persisting decline. Despite his troubles, Kimbrel still ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers, a testament to his storied career.
Team Dynamics
Orioles General Manager Mike Elias acknowledged the team's struggles, asserting, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." He 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." Kimbrel's removal from the closer's role further evidenced this decline, with Seranthony DomÃnguez assuming closing duties over the past month.
Bryan Baker Steps Up
In response to Kimbrel's designation, the Orioles have promoted 29-year-old Bryan Baker. Baker brings experience, having made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and 130 in his career. With an overall 108 ERA+, Baker's consistency is expected to provide much-needed stability to the Orioles' bullpen.
Orioles' Season Outlook
The Orioles' record since the All-Star break stands at 26-29, trailing four games behind the Yankees in the AL East. However, they maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race, underscoring the importance of stabilizing their bullpen as they head into the crucial final weeks of the season.
This move signals a strategic shift for the Orioles as they balance the immediate needs of their pitching staff with the long-term implications of roster decisions. While Craig Kimbrel’s tenure with the team appears to be drawing to a close, the promotion of Bryan Baker offers a fresh opportunity for the Orioles to regain their competitive edge.