In a decisive move, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment, signaling a shift in their bullpen strategy. The club has called up right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk as they continue their push for a wild-card spot.
Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher and one of baseball's most notable closers, struggled significantly in recent outings. In his latest appearance against the San Francisco Giants, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks. This performance added to an escalating trend of difficulties for the seasoned reliever. Before the All-Star break, Kimbrel's ERA was a respectable 2.80. However, his ERA ballooned to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances, during which he yielded 22 runs (20 earned) over 17 innings.
These disappointing stats, particularly an ERA of 10.59 in those recent innings, led to Kimbrel’s removal from the closer role. His replacement, Seranthony DomÃnguez, has taken over the closing duties for the past month. Despite Kimbrel's career ranking fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers, the Orioles felt it was time to make a change.
Shifting Strategies
Orioles General Manager Mike Elias addressed the upheaval in the bullpen. "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months," Elias noted. "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."
Bryan Baker, a 29-year-old reliever, steps into this pressure-filled environment. At the major league level, Baker has made 17 appearances this season, compiling 130 in his career. His overall 108 ERA+ suggests he can bring stability to a bullpen in flux. As the Orioles hold a 26-29 record since the All-Star break and trail the Yankees by four games in the AL East, every game becomes critical. Yet, they remain in a strong position within the AL wild-card race, with a four-game advantage.
The Kimbrel Conundrum
For Kimbrel, this season will mark his third since 2019 finishing with an ERA+ below 90. An illustrious career characterized by dominance in the closer role has taken a hit. Nevertheless, his contributions to the game remain substantial. Striking out 20 batters across 17 innings shows that while he struggled with control and consistency, his ability to overpower hitters hasn't entirely vanished.
Given his track record, Kimbrel's future remains an intriguing storyline. Teams in need of a veteran presence and potential turnaround candidate may still see value in a pitcher who has seen it all. However, for the Orioles, the focus is squarely on the present and attempting to secure a berth in the postseason.
Baker's Opportunity
Bryan Baker brings a fresh arm and a chance to make a significant impact as Baltimore grapples with its late-season challenges. His call-up from Triple-A Norfolk symbolizes both an opportunity for him and a need for the team. Baker's ability to perform under major league pressure could prove critical as the Orioles navigate through tight competition.
With the team's momentum described as having "drifted away," the coming weeks will test whether the changes in the bullpen can rejuvenate the Orioles' chances. For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely how Baker and the rest of the team respond to the pressures of the pennant race.
In summary, the Orioles' decision to designate Craig Kimbrel for assignment while promoting Bryan Baker underscores an urgent need for stability and performance in their bullpen. The next chapter for both Kimbrel and the Orioles will unfold in a season that has been anything but predictable.
