The Baltimore Orioles have made a decisive move by designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. This action comes on the heels of a tough outing against the San Francisco Giants, where the 36-year-old pitcher allowed six runs on three hits and two walks. The team's choice to part ways with Kimbrel underscores a broader struggle as they vie for a playoff spot.
Kimbrel's Performance Woes
Kimbrel, a distinguished pitcher who ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers, has faced significant performance issues of late. Before the All-Star Game, he maintained a solid 2.80 ERA. However, since then, his performance has declined sharply. In his last 18 appearances, Kimbrel's ERA ballooned to 10.59, allowing 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, even while striking out 20 batters across 17 innings. His season ERA now stands at a troubling 5.33, marking his third season since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90.
Bryan Baker Steps Up
Stepping into the vacated spot is the 29-year-old right-hander Bryan Baker, who has been called up from Triple-A Norfolk. Baker has appeared in 17 major league games this season and carries a career tally of 130 appearances. With an overall ERA+ of 108, Baker brings a measure of reliability that the Orioles sorely need as they navigate a tight race in the AL East and the AL wild-card standings.
The Orioles' Challenges
The Orioles' difficulties aren't limited to the bullpen. The team holds a 26-29 record since the All-Star break, trailing the Yankees by four games in the AL East. Despite this, they manage a four-game lead in the AL wild-card race. The season's ups and downs have clearly impacted the clubhouse morale.
Behind the Struggles
Mike Elias, the team's general manager, succinctly captured the sentiment within the team: "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." Elias pointed to several factors contributing to the downturn, adding, "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."
Closer Role Adjustments
Reflecting on the team's dynamics, the closer role has also seen changes. Kimbrel was removed from this role earlier in the season, and Seranthony DomÃnguez has taken on closing duties for the past month. DomÃnguez's performance will be crucial as the Orioles seek to stabilize their bullpen and maintain their wild-card positioning.
As the season progresses, the Orioles' moves underline a broader effort to balance veteran presence with emerging talent. While Kimbrel's tenure with the team appears uncertain, the promotion of Bryan Baker signifies a shift in strategy that seeks to inject fresh energy and effectiveness into the pitching staff. The road ahead will test the Orioles' resilience and tactical decisions as they navigate this challenging phase of the season.