The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant roster move by designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. This decision comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for the 36-year-old pitcher, who has struggled mightily in recent performances.
Kimbrel, a seasoned pitcher with an illustrious career, saw his performance plummet after the All-Star break. His ERA ballooned from a solid 2.80 to a troubling 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. During this span, he allowed 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, striking out just 20 batters across 17 innings. This resulted in a staggering 10.59 ERA for the period, a far cry from the reliability he previously displayed.
Kimbrel’s Struggles and Team Dynamics
The deterioration in Kimbrel’s performance has led to his removal from the closer's role, a change that saw Seranthony Domínguez taking over the position for the past month. The Orioles, who are currently holding a 26-29 record since the All-Star break, seem to be grappling with more than just Kimbrel’s struggles.
Mike Elias, the team’s general manager, acknowledged the broader issues impacting the team's recent downturn. "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months," Elias said. "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."
New Blood: Bryan Baker’s Promotion
In light of Kimbrel’s designation for assignment, the Orioles have promoted 29-year-old right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. Baker has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season, adding to his career total of 130. With an overall 108 ERA+, Baker brings a fresh arm and a level of consistency that the Orioles sorely need as they navigate the concluding months of the season.
This season marks Kimbrel's third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, illustrating the extent of his struggles. Yet, despite these recent challenges, Kimbrel ranks fifth all-time in saves and stands second among active pitchers in the same category. His career achievements underscore the disappointment surrounding his recent performance slump.
Orioles’ Playoff Prospects
The Orioles find themselves four games behind the Yankees in the AL East but hold a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. The team’s mixed fortunes are emblematic of the ebb and flow of a long baseball season, where mid-season struggles can have a significant impact on the postseason aspirations.
The Orioles' management is undoubtedly looking for ways to rejuvenate the squad, hoping that the introduction of players like Bryan Baker can inject new energy into the roster. The decision to assign Kimbrel for assignment may well be a part of a broader strategy to ensure the team’s competitive edge is maintained as they vie for a playoff spot.
As the season progresses, the Orioles will need to address the factors contributing to their inconsistent performance. Whether by making further roster adjustments or through internal development, the team will aim to recapture the "mojo" that has eluded them in the past few months.
Kimbrel's future remains uncertain as he navigates this challenging phase in his career. Both he and the Orioles are at a crossroads, with critical decisions ahead that will shape their respective paths. For Kimbrel, a return to form with a new team could be the next chapter, while for the Orioles, a strategic recalibration is necessary to keep their playoff dreams alive.