A Struggling Season: Orioles Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment
A Struggling Season: Orioles Designate Craig Kimbrel for Assignment
In a surprising yet calculated move, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The decision to part ways with the 36-year-old pitcher comes in the wake of a turbulent season marked by inconsistent performances on the mound.
Kimbrel's early season form suggested he might be a reliable arm in Baltimore's bullpen, boasting a solid 2.80 ERA before the All-Star Game. However, his performance significantly declined in his subsequent 18 appearances. Allowing 22 runs, 20 of which were earned, on 22 hits and 15 walks, Kimbrel's ERA ballooned to a troubling 10.59 over just 17 innings. This stretch dropped his season ERA to 5.33, underscoring the struggles that led to his demotion from the closer's role.
The Orioles' General Manager, Mike Elias, commented on the issues facing the team, stating, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." Elias's remarks hint at a broader set of problems within the team, which holds a 26-29 record since the All-Star break and now trails the Yankees by four games in the AL East. Despite these difficulties, the Orioles maintain a slender four-game lead in the AL wild-card race, keeping their postseason aspirations alive.
Challenges for Kimbrel
Kimbrel, known for his prowess as one of the all-time great closers, has encountered rough patches in his recent seasons. This year marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, a telling statistic that highlights his struggles. Kimbrel's inability to regain his form has been a contributing factor to the Orioles' bullpen woes.
During Tuesday night's game against the San Francisco Giants, Kimbrel's difficulties were on full display. He allowed six runs on three hits and two walks, a performance that likely cemented the Orioles' decision to re-evaluate his role on the team. Once removed from the closer's role, it became evident that a roster shake-up was necessary.
The Rise of Bryan Baker
In a corresponding move, the Orioles promoted Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. The 29-year-old right-hander brings a promising track record, having made 17 major league appearances this season and 130 in his career, with an impressive overall ERA+ of 108. Baker's addition is expected to bring stability to a bullpen in dire need of consistency.
Baker's promotion fills the void left by Kimbrel and aims to bolster the Orioles' pitching staff as they make a late-season push. The organization is hopeful that Baker's presence will provide a much-needed boost, especially with Seranthony DomĂnguez having solidified his role as the closer for the past month.
A Season in Flux
The Orioles' season has been a rollercoaster, marked by periods of promise and disappointment. Elias reflected on the team's challenges, commenting, "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." His words capture the essence of a season where individual struggles have mirrored collective setbacks.
Despite their uneven performance, the Orioles remain in contention for a postseason berth. Their ability to stay in the hunt for the wild card speaks volumes about the team's resilience and the front office's strategic maneuvers, such as the recent roster changes.
As the Orioles look to navigate through these choppy waters, the move to designate Kimbrel for assignment symbolizes a pivotal moment. It reflects the necessity for change and a willingness to adapt in pursuit of success. With key players like Bryan Baker stepping up, the Orioles aim to write a new chapter in a season that has, thus far, been full of unexpected turns.
Kimbrel's legacy as one of baseball's elite closers remains intact, despite recent struggles. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers, a testament to his storied career. However, for the Orioles, the focus now shifts to the future and the hopeful emergence of new talent that can lead them back to their winning ways.
