Baltimore Orioles Shake Up Bullpen, Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment
Baltimore Orioles Shake Up Bullpen, Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment
The Baltimore Orioles, in a move that signals a significant shift in their bullpen strategy, have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. This decision comes on the heels of a series of inconsistent performances that have seen Kimbrel's effectiveness wane dramatically.
The veteran right-hander, now 36 years old, struggled mightily in his recent outings. In a particularly rough game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks. His performance over the last few months has not been up to his usual standards, a trend that surely influenced the Orioles' decision.
Struggles and Statistics
Kimbrel's decline in form has been stark. Before the All-Star Game, his ERA stood at a respectable 2.80. However, over his last 18 appearances, that number has ballooned to 5.33, reflecting a troubling downturn. During this period, Kimbrel gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, striking out 20 batters across 17 innings. His ERA over these innings was an alarming 10.59, far above his career average.
Once a dominant closer, Kimbrel’s struggles led to his removal from the role, with Seranthony Domínguez taking over as the team's closer for the past month. This season marks Kimbrel’s third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, a metric indicating that he has been below average compared to league performance.
A Storied Career at a Crossroads
Despite his recent struggles, Kimbrel's career credentials are impressive. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers. However, his recent performance suggests that he might be nearing the end of his tenure as a relied-upon late-inning option.
As the Orioles look to stabilize their bullpen, they have called up 29-year-old Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. Baker has shown promise, making 17 appearances at the major league level this season and a total of 130 in his career. His overall 108 ERA+ indicates that he has been an above-average reliever, and the Orioles will be hoping he can bring some consistency to their bullpen.
Team Performance and Challenges
The Orioles hold a 26-29 record since the All-Star break and currently trail the New York Yankees by four games in the AL East. However, they maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race, leaving them in a competitive position as the season progresses.
Reflecting on the team’s recent performance, Mike Elias, the Orioles' General Manager, remarked, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." He elaborated, 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."
These comments underscore the challenges faced by both the individuals on the roster and the team as a whole. The Orioles are striving to regain their form and secure a postseason berth, despite the hurdles that have emerged in recent months.
Looking Ahead
The decision to designate Kimbrel for assignment and promote Baker reflects a broader strategy aimed at refreshing the bullpen and addressing areas of concern. The coming weeks will be crucial for the Orioles as they seek to solidify their position in the playoff race and recapture the winning form that has, as Elias put it, "drifted away."
Craig Kimbrel's future remains uncertain as he undergoes this career crossroads. As one of the game's great closers grapples with potential decline, the baseball world watches to see if a resurgence is possible. For now, the Orioles are focused on the immediate task at hand: winning games and earning a spot in the postseason.
