In a notable roster move, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment, while promoting right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. This decision marks a significant change in the Orioles' bullpen, especially considering Kimbrel's storied career in Major League Baseball.
Struggles on the Mound
Craig Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher with an illustrious career, has seen a considerable decline in performance over recent months. During a game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks, which evidently catalyzed the Orioles’ decision. Before the All-Star Game, Kimbrel maintained a solid 2.80 ERA, but his form has since plummeted.
Over his last 18 appearances, Kimbrel's ERA soared to 5.33. In this period, he gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks over 17 innings, an alarming stat that includes a shocking ERA of 10.59. Despite striking out 20 batters, Kimbrel's performances were far from the expectations of a player who ranks fifth all-time and second among active pitchers in saves.
Changes in the Bullpen
The Orioles' decision to remove Kimbrel from the closer's role wasn’t entirely unexpected, given his recent performances. Seranthony Domínguez has been handling the closing duties for the past month, a reflection of Kimbrel's ongoing struggles.
With Kimbrel out, the Orioles are looking to Baker to provide stability. The 29-year-old right-hander has made 17 major league appearances this season, bringing his career total to 130 appearances with an overall 108 ERA+. Baker's consistent performance at the major league level offers a glimmer of hope for the Orioles' bullpen.
Team Performance
Amid these bullpen changes, the Orioles have been grappling with broader challenges on the field. The team holds a 26-29 record since the All-Star break and currently trails the Yankees by four games in the AL East. However, they maintain a four-game lead in the AL wild-card race, giving them a viable path to the postseason if they can steady their ship.
Reflecting on the team's recent struggles, Orioles general manager Mike Elias remarked, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." Elias acknowledged the obvious reasons behind the downturn, attributing part of it to individual and team-wide slumps. "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," he added.
Kimbrel's Legacy
Despite his recent difficulties, Kimbrel's legacy in baseball remains significant. This season marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, signaling a pattern of inconsistency in the latter stages of his career. Nonetheless, his ranking as the fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers underscores the formidable career he's had.
As the Orioles look to navigate the remainder of the season, the shift in their bullpen dynamics will be crucial. The promotion of Bryan Baker signals a strategic move to bolster their chances in the competitive AL wild-card race. Baltimore fans will undoubtedly watch closely, hoping for a turnaround that aligns more closely with the team's early-season promise.