Orioles Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment, Promote Bryan Baker
Orioles Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment, Promote Bryan Baker
The Baltimore Orioles made a significant roster move this week by designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. In a corresponding move, the team promoted fellow right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk, signaling a shift in their bullpen strategy as they continue to navigate a challenging season.
Struggles on the Mound
Craig Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher with a storied career, has faced a rough patch in recent months. Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks during Tuesday night's game against the San Francisco Giants, an outing that exemplified his struggles. This performance contributed to his ERA ballooning to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. During this span, he gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, striking out 20 batters across 17 innings with an ERA of 10.59.
Kimbrel's downward trajectory is stark when contrasted with his pre-All-Star Game performance, where his ERA was a much more respectable 2.80. However, the recent downturn has unfortunately overshadowed his early-season success, leading the Orioles to make the tough decision to move on.
Changes in the Closer Role
The struggles of Kimbrel have also impacted his role within the team. He was removed from the closer's role, a position that has since been filled by Seranthony Domínguez for the past month. This change was part of a broader effort to stabilize the Orioles’ bullpen, which has been underperforming as the team fights to secure a playoff spot.
Bryan Baker, the 29-year-old right-hander promoted from Triple-A, brings a fresh arm to the Orioles’ relief corps. Baker has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and boasts 130 career appearances. His overall 108 ERA+ indicates a capability to contribute positively, and the Orioles are banking on his performance to help turn the tide.
Orioles' Season Struggles
The Orioles have had a rocky ride since the All-Star break, holding a 26-29 record. They find themselves four games behind the Yankees in the AL East but maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. This precarious position underscores the importance of every roster move as the season winds down.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Mike Elias, the Orioles' General Manager, expressed candidly, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." Elias 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." These remarks highlight the challenges the team faces, both individually and collectively.
Kimbrel's Career and Legacy
Despite recent setbacks, Kimbrel's legacy in Major League Baseball remains significant. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers. However, this season will be Kimbrel's third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, illustrating the decline in his effectiveness over recent years. His contributions to the sport have been notable, but as the Orioles make their push for the postseason, the need for reliable performance has necessitated this difficult decision.
As the Orioles look to finish the season strong, the integration of Bryan Baker into their bullpen will be closely watched. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if these strategic changes can help the team regain its early-season form and secure a spot in the playoffs.
