The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant roster change, designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment and promoting right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. This move comes as the team struggles to find its footing in a tightly contested AL East race.
Kimbrel's Recent Struggles
Craig Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher, has had a rough stretch recently. His performance against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, where he allowed six runs on three hits and two walks, marked another low point in his season. Despite a solid ERA of 2.80 before the All-Star Game, his performance has plummeted, raising his ERA to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances.
Throughout those 18 appearances, Kimbrel gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks. Though he struck out 20 batters across 17 innings, his ERA during that span ballooned to 10.59, leading the Orioles to remove him from the closer's role. Seranthony Domínguez has filled in as the team's closer for the past month. Kimbrel's overall struggles this season have added to the Orioles' challenges, as the team currently holds a 26-29 record since the All-Star break.
Baker's Opportunity
With Kimbrel's departure, Bryan Baker, a 29-year-old right-hander, gets another shot at the major league level. Baker has made 17 appearances this season and 130 in his career, posting an overall 108 ERA+. The Orioles hope that Baker can bring stability to the bullpen as they aim to secure their position in the playoff race.
Baker, known for his consistency, could be a crucial asset for the Orioles, who are currently four games behind the Yankees in the AL East. However, they still maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. Baker’s promotion signals the Orioles’ commitment to bolstering their pitching staff during this critical juncture of the season.
Reflections from Leadership
Mike Elias, the Orioles' general manager, provided some perspective on the team's current state. "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months," Elias said, encapsulating the challenge facing the team. "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."
Elias’ comments reflect the broader issues affecting the Orioles, indicating that Kimbrel's struggles are part of a larger trend impacting the team's performance. The decision to designate Kimbrel for assignment underscores the need for changes to reinvigorate the roster.
Kimbrel’s Legacy
Despite his recent setbacks, Craig Kimbrel’s career achievements cannot be overlooked. Kimbrel ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers in saves. However, this season will be his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, signifying a downward trajectory in his otherwise illustrious career.
While Kimbrel's future with the Orioles remains uncertain, his experience and career accomplishments will undoubtedly draw interest from other teams looking for veteran bullpen help. For now, Kimbrel's departure from the Orioles marks a significant turning point for both the player and the franchise.
In the coming weeks, the Orioles will need to find their footing quickly to make a strong push in the postseason race. The addition of Bryan Baker to the bullpen and the departure of Craig Kimbrel are pivotal moves that the front office hopes will catalyze a turnaround. As the team navigates the final stretch of the season, maintaining their position in the wild-card race will be crucial for a shot at October baseball.
