Orioles Designate Veteran Reliever Craig Kimbrel for Assignment
Orioles Designate Veteran Reliever Craig Kimbrel for Assignment
In a surprising move, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The 36-year-old pitcher, renowned for his dominance in the closing role, has struggled significantly in recent games, leading to this drastic decision by the team.
Kimbrel's recent performance slump has been noticeable. He allowed six runs on three hits and two walks during a game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, culminating in an ERA that ballooned to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. In this span, Kimbrel surrendered 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks across 17 innings, yielding an alarming ERA of 10.59, despite striking out 20 batters.
These struggles stand in stark contrast to Kimbrel's form earlier in the season. Before the All-Star break, he posted a commendable 2.80 ERA, but the post-break period has been much harsher. This season marks Kimbrel's third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, an indicator that further underscores his recent decline.
Baltimore's Strategic Shift
In response to Kimbrel's faltering performances, the Orioles have promoted fellow right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. The 29-year-old has already made 17 appearances at the major league level this season, bringing his career total to 130. Baker has established himself as a reliable arm, boasting an overall 108 ERA+.
This season, the Orioles have experienced their own set of challenges, holding a 26-29 record since the All-Star break. Despite these hurdles, they remain competitive, trailing the Yankees by four games in the AL East and maintaining a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. General Manager Mike Elias reflected on the team's recent struggles, stating, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months."
Kimbrel's Storied Career
Kimbrel's longevity and success in Major League Baseball are undeniable. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers in the same category. However, the volatility in his performance has forced the Orioles to make tough decisions. Kimbrel was recently removed from the closer's role, a position now held by Seranthony DomÃnguez for the past month.
Elias acknowledged the difficulties faced by both the team and individual players, adding, "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."
The Road Ahead for the Orioles
Promoting Baker represents more than just a roster change; it's a strategic pivot as the Orioles seek to stabilize their bullpen and make a strong push for the postseason. Baker’s performance at the major league level this season has shown promise, and the team will undoubtedly rely on his consistency moving forward.
While Kimbrel's tenure with the Orioles might have taken an unexpected turn, his impact on the sport remains significant. As he navigates through this chapter of his career, the Orioles continue to adapt and strive for success, keenly aware of the competitive landscape in the AL East and the broader playoff picture.
In an era where performance metrics and statistical analysis guide key decisions, the Orioles' handling of Kimbrel's situation reflects a commitment to making informed, strategic choices, aimed at sustaining the team's competitive edge.
