The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant roster change, designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. In his place, the team has promoted right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk, signaling a shift in strategy as the Orioles push for a strong finish to the season.
Kimbrel's Struggles and the Decision
At 36 years old, Craig Kimbrel's recent performances have fallen short of the high standards he set earlier in his career. Despite a respectable ERA of 2.80 before the All-Star break, Kimbrel's form deteriorated significantly over his last 18 appearances. During this period, he posted a 10.59 ERA, allowing 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks across 17 innings while striking out 20 batters. The tipping point came on Tuesday night, when Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks in a game against the San Francisco Giants.
Kimbrel, who ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers, has faced similar struggles in the past. This season marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90. As a result, the Orioles decided to remove him from the closer's role earlier, appointing Seranthony DomÃnguez as the closer over the past month.
Bryan Baker's Opportunity
The Orioles have turned to Bryan Baker to fill the vacancy left by Kimbrel. The 29-year-old right-hander has already made 17 appearances at the major league level this season, contributing to a career total of 130 appearances. Baker has shown promise with an overall ERA+ of 108, suggesting he could be a reliable arm in the bullpen as the Orioles look to secure their position in the playoff race.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite their recent struggles, the Orioles remain in contention. With a 26-29 record since the All-Star break, they are four games behind the Yankees in the AL East but hold a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. The team's general manager, Mike Elias, acknowledged the challenges faced by the team: "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." He added, "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."
Kimbrel's departure marks a significant moment for the Orioles as they seek to regain their form and make a strong push for the playoffs. With Bryan Baker stepping into a more prominent role, the team hopes that a fresh arm in the bullpen can provide the stability needed for the crucial final stretch of the season.
It's a critical time for the Orioles, and the improvement of their bullpen will be vital in their pursuit of postseason glory. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team's performance in the coming weeks.