Orioles Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment, Promote Bryan Baker
The Baltimore Orioles have taken a significant step by designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. In a parallel move, the team called up right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk to bolster their bullpen.
The 36-year-old Kimbrel, once a dominant force on the mound, has struggled significantly in recent appearances. On Tuesday night, during a game against the San Francisco Giants, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks, a performance that may have been the tipping point for the Orioles' decision. His ERA before the All-Star break was a respectable 2.80, but recent outings have seen a drastic downturn.
Since the All-Star break, Kimbrel's ERA has ballooned to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. In those appearances, he has given up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks while striking out 20 batters across 17 innings—resulting in an alarming ERA of 10.59. This performance prompted the Orioles to remove him from the closer's role, a position now held by Seranthony Domínguez for the past month.
Kimbrel’s struggles have mirrored the Orioles' own difficulties in maintaining their early season mojo. General Manager Mike Elias commented, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months. 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."
As Kimbrel departs, Bryan Baker steps into the spotlight. The 29-year-old reliever has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and boasts a cumulative 108 ERA+ through 130 career appearances. His addition to the roster aims to stabilize a bullpen that has seen its share of challenges.
The Orioles' current situation is a mixed bag. They hold a 26-29 record since the All-Star break, and while they are four games behind the Yankees in the AL East, they do maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. This precarious position necessitates every player's contribution to secure a postseason berth.
Craig Kimbrel's career, despite recent struggles, is one of notable achievement. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and is second among active pitchers in this category. However, this season will mark his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, a statistic underscoring his recent struggles. His departure, while disappointing, might represent a necessary change for both Kimbrel and the Orioles as they aim to reset and regain lost ground.
The next few weeks will be critical for Baltimore. With Bryan Baker's promotion, the Orioles are looking for fresh energy and improved performance from their bullpen. Baker's experience and relative stability could provide the consistency the team sorely needs.
As the Orioles navigate through the remaining games of the season, the management's decisions, such as this bold move with Kimbrel, will be crucial. They hope these adjustments will steer the team back on course and retain their competitive edge in the playoff race.