In a surprising turn of events, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment, a significant move that reflects the team's current struggles and strategic adjustments. In response, the Orioles promoted Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk, bringing a fresh face to their bullpen.
Kimbrel's Troubling Decline
Craig Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher renowned for his prowess as a closer, has recently hit a rough patch that proved detrimental to his standing with the Orioles. During a game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks, marking a dismal performance that contributed to his overall decline this season.
Before the All-Star break, Kimbrel's ERA was a respectable 2.80. However, his ERA spiked dramatically to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. During this period, he gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, while striking out 20 batters across 17 innings. This led to an ERA of 10.59 over those innings, a stark contrast to his earlier form.
The decision to remove Kimbrel from the closer's role was inevitable. Seranthony DomÃnguez has been handling the closer duties for the past month, as Kimbrel's reliability in high-pressure situations waned. Despite his current struggles, Kimbrel's career accomplishments remain impressive; he ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers in this category.
Baker's Opportunity
In the wake of Kimbrel's departure, 29-year-old Bryan Baker has been called up to strengthen the Orioles' bullpen. Baker has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and brings experience with a total of 130 career appearances. His overall 108 ERA+ suggests he has the potential to stabilize the Orioles' relief corps during this critical phase of the season.
Baker's assignment comes at a crucial juncture for the Orioles. With a record of 26-29 since the All-Star break, the team finds itself four games behind the Yankees in the AL East, though they currently enjoy a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. The performance of Baker and the rest of the bullpen could be pivotal in maintaining their wild-card position.
Challenges Ahead
Mike Elias, the Orioles' general manager, encapsulated the team's recent struggles by stating, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." Reflecting on the reasons behind this downturn, 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."
The Orioles' hope now rests on their ability to recalibrate and find consistency as they approach the critical final stretch of the season. The injection of energy from players like Bryan Baker could provide the lift they need to regain their footing and make a strong push for the playoffs.
Craig Kimbrel's tenure with the Orioles serves as a reminder of how swiftly fortunes can change in Major League Baseball. For Kimbrel, this season will be his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, underscoring the challenges even seasoned veterans can face. As he navigates this latest chapter in his storied career, Kimbrel's achievements remain a testament to his enduring talent, even as the Orioles look to new talent to secure their future.
The Baltimore Orioles' season is at a crossroads, with strategic decisions and player performances set to define their path forward. While the departure of a high-caliber player like Kimbrel marks the end of an era, it also opens the door for new heroes to emerge and lead the team into the playoffs.