The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant roster move, designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment following a string of subpar performances. The 36-year-old pitcher, known for his clutch closing abilities, has struggled mightily in recent outings, leading to the decision by the Orioles' front office.
Kimbrel's Struggles
Kimbrel's decline has been pronounced since the All-Star break. During a game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, he allowed six runs on three hits and two walks, exacerbating his downhill slide. Prior to the All-Star Game, Kimbrel held a respectable ERA of 2.80. However, his performance has spiraled since then, culminating in a 5.33 ERA over his last 18 appearances.
In these recent outings, Kimbrel conceded 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, covering 17 innings. He struck out 20 batters during this span, yet his ERA ballooned to 10.59, a stark contrast to his former prowess. These struggles ultimately cost him his role as the team's closer, with Seranthony DomÃnguez assuming the role over the last month.
The Call-Up
In a bid to stabilize their bullpen, the Orioles have promoted 29-year-old right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. Baker, who has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and 130 in his career, has recorded an overall 108 ERA+. This promotion signifies the team's immediate need for more reliable relief options as they look to strengthen their position in the AL East and wild-card race.
Orioles' Season Challenges
The Orioles' season has been a roller-coaster ride, reflected in their 26-29 record since the All-Star break. Currently, they trail the Yankees by four games in the highly competitive AL East but maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. This mixed bag of results may be attributed to an overall downturn experienced by several players, including Kimbrel.
Mike Elias, the Orioles' general manager, aptly summarized the team's plight: "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."
Kimbrel's Legacy
Despite his current struggles, Craig Kimbrel's career achievements remain impressive. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers, a testament to his long-standing reliability and skill on the mound. Unfortunately, this season marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, underscoring the volatility and challenges that seasoned athletes can face in maintaining peak performance.
The Orioles' decision to designate Kimbrel for assignment, while difficult, aligns with their broader strategy to bolster their roster with more consistent performers as they navigate the latter part of the season. The promotion of Bryan Baker illustrates their commitment to infusing fresh talent in hopes of reclaiming their early-season form and securing a playoff berth.