In a significant roster shakeup, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment, opting instead to promote right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. This news comes as the Orioles navigate the latter part of a tumultuous season, holding a 26-29 record since the All-Star break and trailing the Yankees by four games in the AL East. Despite the struggles, they maintain a four-game cushion in the AL wild-card race.
Kimbrel’s Struggles
Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher with a storied career, has faced a marked downturn in his performance over the recent months. His ERA, which stood at a respectable 2.80 prior to the All-Star break, has ballooned to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. During this period, Kimbrel allowed 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, translating to an alarming ERA of 10.59. His difficulties culminated in a particularly rough outing against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, where he surrendered six runs on three hits and two walks.
The Orioles' management decided it was time for a change, leading to Kimbrel being removed from the closer's role. In the past month, Seranthony Domínguez has taken on the responsibilities as the team's closer.
Baker’s Big Opportunity
Filling the void left by Kimbrel, 29-year-old Bryan Baker has been called up from Triple-A Norfolk. Baker has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and 130 in his career. With an overall ERA+ of 108, Baker has shown promise and now has an opportunity to solidify his place in the Orioles’ bullpen during a crucial stretch of the season.
While the change may be seen as a necessary move, it does come with a sense of loss, as Kimbrel's contributions to the game are indisputable. Ranking fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers, Kimbrel's achievements shine brightly against the current struggles.
Organizational Insights
Orioles general manager Mike Elias addressed the team’s recent difficulties candidly, stating, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." He acknowledged that while there are obvious reasons for the downturn, "a lot of it is we've got people here that are experiencing a downturn -- whether it's themselves or the team." This sentiment captures the essence of the challenges faced by both individual players and the team as a collective unit.
Kimbrel's designation for assignment symbolizes a broader issue within the team – one of inconsistency and underperformance. This season marks Kimbrel’s third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, a metric that underscores his recent struggles on the mound. Yet, his departure might just be the shakeup needed to rejuvenate the Orioles’ bullpen as they strive to secure their place in the postseason.
As the Orioles continue their push, the performance of new call-ups like Baker could play a pivotal role. With a focus on maintaining their lead in the wild-card race, every game takes on heightened importance. The hope is that fresh faces and a recalibrated bullpen will provide the spark needed to restore the team’s early-season momentum.
In a season punctuated by highs and lows, the Orioles remain in the thick of the playoff hunt. The next few weeks will determine whether the changes they’ve made, starting with Kimbrel’s designation and Baker’s promotion, will pay dividends. While Kimbrel’s influence on the game remains significant, the team’s immediate focus is on securing victories and making a strong postseason push. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see if this roster adjustment becomes a turning point in the Orioles’ season.