The Baltimore Orioles' bullpen shakeup has made headlines as the team designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. In a concurrent move, the club promoted right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk, hoping to stabilize their relief corps during this crucial stretch of the season.
Kimbrel's Struggles
Once celebrated as one of the game's premier closers, the 36-year-old Kimbrel has struggled mightily of late. His most recent outing, allowing six runs on three hits and two walks against the San Francisco Giants, seemed to be the final straw. Despite a respectable 2.80 ERA before the All-Star break, Kimbrel's performance has dramatically declined post-break. Over his last 18 appearances, his ERA ballooned to 5.33. In this span, spanning 17 innings, Kimbrel gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, striking out 20 batters. This resulted in a disheartening 10.59 ERA during this stretch.
The downturn in Kimbrel's effectiveness led to his removal from the closer's role, with Seranthony Domínguez stepping in over the past month. However, the damage seemed to have been done, prompting the Orioles to make the difficult decision to designate the veteran for assignment.
Searching for Answers
Orioles' General Manager Mike Elias acknowledged the struggles the team has faced. "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."
Elias' comments underscore the broader issues facing the Orioles, who have posted a 26-29 record since the All-Star break. This middling performance has left them four games behind the Yankees in the AL East but still holding a slim four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. The team’s inability to consistently secure victories has put significant pressure on their pitching staff, particularly the bullpen.
Baker’s Opportunity
In a bid to inject some life into their bullpen, the Orioles have turned to Bryan Baker. The 29-year-old right-hander has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and boasts 130 career appearances. With an overall 108 ERA+, Baker brings a level of reliability that the Orioles hope can stabilize their bullpen during this critical juncture.
Baker's promotion signifies a very clear message from the Orioles' management: the need for fresh arms and stability is paramount as they chase postseason ambitions. It’s an opportunity for Baker to prove his worth and contribute meaningfully to the team's success.
Kimbrel’s Legacy
Despite his recent struggles, Kimbrel's career remains illustrious. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers. However, this season marks his third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, a statistic that provides a stark contrast to his earlier dominance.
As the Orioles look toward the future, Kimbrel’s career serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of baseball success. The once-dominant closer now faces an uncertain future, emblematic of the unforgiving world of professional sports.
With the postseason race heating up, the Orioles' moves reflect their commitment to making the necessary adjustments. The hope is that fresh faces like Baker can provide the spark required to carry the team through the remaining weeks of the season and beyond.