The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant shake-up in their bullpen, designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The move comes after a series of subpar performances that saw Kimbrel's effectiveness wane considerably. To fill the gap, the Orioles have called up right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
Kimbrel's Decline
Craig Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher, has struggled mightily in recent weeks. Once a reliable arm, Kimbrel's recent statistics tell the story of his downturn. In a game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks. His ERA, which stood at a respectable 2.80 before the All-Star Game, has since ballooned to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances.
During this troubling span, the pitcher gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks. Despite striking out 20 batters across 17 innings, Kimbrel’s effectiveness was severely compromised, with an ERA of 10.59 over those innings. This performance led to his removal from the closer’s role, with Seranthony Domínguez assuming those duties for the past month.
Baker Steps Up
Bryan Baker, 29, has been promoted to bring some stability to the Orioles' bullpen. The right-hander has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and 130 throughout his career. With an overall ERA+ of 108, Baker has shown the ability to contribute positively to the team's pitching efforts. Now, he has the opportunity to step up during a critical juncture for the Orioles.
Orioles' Season Struggles
The Orioles’ struggles extend beyond just Kimbrel’s individual performance. Since the All-Star break, the team holds a 26-29 record. Currently, they’re four games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East, but they maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. It’s a precarious position that requires every player to be at their best if they hope to make a postseason run.
General Manager Mike Elias offered some insight into the team’s roller-coaster season, stating, “The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months.” He continued, “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.”
A Hall of Fame Career in Jeopardy
For Kimbrel, this season has been particularly frustrating. This year marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, a statistic that highlights his struggles on the mound. Despite these recent difficulties, Kimbrel's career achievements are noteworthy. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers in that category. These accolades underline the impressive career he's carved out, even as he faces potential career crossroads.
The Path Forward
The Orioles’ decision to part ways with Kimbrel is a clear indicator of the team’s commitment to finding the right mix for success. Kimbrel's departure, coupled with Baker's promotion, signifies a new chapter for Baltimore’s bullpen. The Orioles are evidently seeking stability and effectiveness as they try to regain their form heading into the final stretch of the season.
While Kimbrel's future remains uncertain, his legacy within the game is secure. For the Orioles, the road ahead will be defined by how well they can address their issues and capitalize on their current standing within the wild-card race. With less than ideal performances behind them, the team must find the resilience and consistency that characterized their early season success.
The next few weeks will be critical, not just for the Orioles’ chances this season, but also for Kimbrel’s career trajectory. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the narratives develop, both for the team and their once-dominant reliever.