The Baltimore Orioles, in a surprising move to shake up their bullpen, have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The decision comes in the midst of Kimbrel's struggles on the mound, as the 36-year-old pitcher has seen a sharp decline in his performance over recent months.
Kimbrel's Decline
Once celebrated for his dominant pitching, Kimbrel's recent form has been far from exemplary. Earlier in the season, he maintained a respectable 2.80 ERA before the All-Star Game. However, his last 18 appearances have been disappointing, with an ERA ballooning to 5.33. During this challenging period, Kimbrel surrendered 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks in 17 innings pitched, translating to a dismal 10.59 ERA. Despite still managing to strike out 20 batters, the inconsistency has been glaring.
This recent performance starkly contrasts with his past accolades. Kimbrel ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers in the same category. However, this season marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, a statistic that measures a pitcher's performance adjusted for the league and ballpark factors.
Reaction from Management
Orioles General Manager Mike Elias provided some insights into the team's current struggles and changes. "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months," Elias remarked. "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."
One major change already implemented was the removal of Kimbrel from his role as the team's closer, a position now held by Seranthony Domínguez for the past month. Despite these efforts, the Orioles hold a subpar 26-29 record since the All-Star break and find themselves four games behind the Yankees in the AL East. However, they do maintain a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race, indicating some hope for postseason contention.
Bryan Baker's Promotion
In an effort to stabilize their bullpen, the Orioles have promoted right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. At 29 years old, Baker brings a mix of experience and potential. He has made 17 major league appearances this season and 130 in his career, boasting an overall 108 ERA+. The Orioles are undoubtedly banking on Baker to provide some much-needed reliability and fortitude as they push for a strong finish to the season.
Baker’s promotion highlights the Orioles’ strategy of not just relying on seasoned veterans but also giving opportunities to other capable pitchers in their system. As the season progresses, the team's performance in tight games and the bullpen's stability will be crucial factors in their playoff aspirations.
For now, the Orioles' management and fans alike will be watching closely to see if these roster changes can reverse the recent downturn and reignite the team's earlier season mojo.