As the Baltimore Orioles continue their rollercoaster season, the team has made the significant decision to designate veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. With this move, the Orioles have promoted right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk in hopes of fortifying their bullpen as they vie for a playoff spot.
Kimbrel's Performance this Season
Craig Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher, has faced considerable struggles over the past few months. During a recent game against the San Francisco Giants, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks, which has continued a troubling trend for the veteran reliever. Before the All-Star Game, Kimbrel maintained a respectable ERA of 2.80. However, his performance has deteriorated significantly since then, with an ERA ballooning to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. During this span, Kimbrel gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, striking out 20 batters across 17 innings, which translates to an alarming ERA of 10.59.
This season marks Kimbrel's third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, a critical metric indicating below-average performance in relation to the league. As a result, Kimbrel was removed from his role as the closer, with Seranthony DomÃnguez stepping up to fill the position over the past month.
Baltimore's Move to Bryan Baker
In response to Kimbrel's struggles, the Orioles have called up Bryan Baker. The 29-year-old right-hander has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season, adding to his career total of 130. Baker boasts an overall ERA+ of 108, indicating a solid performance above the league average. The Orioles are banking on Baker to bring stability and effectiveness to their bullpen during this critical stretch of the season.
Impact on the Orioles' Season
The Orioles' season has been a tale of ups and downs. Since the All-Star break, the team holds a 26-29 record and currently sits four games behind the Yankees in the AL East. Despite the challenging stretch, the Orioles maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race, keeping their postseason hopes alive.
Reflecting on the season's trajectory, Orioles' General Manager Mike Elias remarked, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months." He further elaborated, "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 Legacy
Despite this season's difficulties, Craig Kimbrel's legacy in the game remains significant. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers in this category. Kimbrel's career achievements and contributions to the game will not be forgotten, even as he faces this latest career challenge.
As the Orioles look to navigate the final stretch of the season, the hope is that the bullpen changes will provide the necessary spark to clinch a postseason berth. The promotion of Baker and the reassignment of Kimbrel highlight the team's commitment to making the necessary adjustments in their pursuit of success.
The next few weeks will be crucial for the Orioles, as every game holds significant weight in their quest for the playoffs. With a mix of veteran experience and new talent, the team will look to rally and recapture the momentum they had earlier in the season.