Orioles Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment Amid Struggles
Orioles Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment Amid Struggles
In a decisive move aimed at shaking up their bullpen, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. This decision comes on the heels of a series of disappointing performances by the 36-year-old pitcher, who was once one of the most dependable closers in Major League Baseball.
Promising New Addition
As Kimbrel exits, the Orioles have opted to promote Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. The 29-year-old right-hander has shown promise this season, making 17 appearances at the major league level and 130 in his career. Baker, who boasts an ERA+ of 108, brings a fresh arm to a bullpen in need of fortification.
Kimbrel’s Struggles
Kimbrel's recent struggles have been stark. During a game against the San Francisco Giants, he yielded six runs on three hits and two walks, a performance emblematic of his current troubles. Kimbrel's ERA has ballooned from a solid 2.80 before the All-Star Game to a concerning 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. With an ERA of 10.59 over his last 17 innings, it's clear that Kimbrel's reliability has waned significantly.
Beyond the alarming ERA, Kimbrel allowed 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks during this stretch. Despite striking out 20 batters across these innings, his inability to keep runs off the board has overshadowed his strikeout capabilities. This season marks Kimbrel's third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, further emphasizing his oscillating performance levels in recent years.
Leadership Changes
Amid Kimbrel’s struggles, the Orioles made a strategic change by removing him from the closer’s role, a position he has dominated for much of his career. Seranthony Domínguez has taken over closing duties for the past month, aiming to bring stability to the bullpen in high-leverage situations.
Team Performance
The Orioles themselves have had a rollercoaster of a season. Since the All-Star break, they have posted a 26-29 record, struggling to find consistency on the field. This inconsistency has not only placed them four games behind the Yankees in the AL East but has also put pressure on their wild-card standing, where they currently hold a four-game advantage.
General Manager’s Perspective
Reflecting on the team’s recent performance, Orioles' General Manager Mike Elias stated, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." Elias further elaborated on the situation, saying, "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."
A Storied Career
Despite recent setbacks, Craig Kimbrel's legacy in baseball remains intact. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and is second among active pitchers in this category. His career achievements echo his foundational role as an elite reliever, even as current challenges cloud his recent performances.
In conclusion, the Orioles’ decision to designate Kimbrel for assignment underscores the team's commitment to addressing present challenges and striving for better performance. As Bryan Baker steps up, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this bullpen adjustment affects the Orioles’ drive towards the postseason.
