Craig Kimbrel's Struggles Lead to Orioles DFA
In a surprising move, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The decision comes after a series of inconsistent performances, culminating in what has been a tumultuous period for the 36-year-old pitcher.
Kimbrel's decline was starkly evident in his most recent outing, where he allowed six runs on three hits and two walks in a game against the San Francisco Giants. This performance only added to his mounting woes, with his ERA ballooning to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances, a significant rise from the 2.80 ERA he held prior to the All-Star break.
His recent box score paints a troubling picture: in those 18 appearances, Kimbrel gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks. Despite striking out 20 batters across 17 innings, his ERA over this period stood at a dismal 10.59. Consequently, he was removed from the closer's role, a position now held by Seranthony DomÃnguez for the past month.
The Orioles have called up right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk to fill the void left by Kimbrel. At 29 years old, Baker brings a degree of experience to the bullpen, having made 17 appearances at the major league level this season and 130 in his career. He holds an overall ERA+ of 108, reflecting a solid if unspectacular performance thus far.
Struggles and Shifts
Team General Manager Mike Elias spoke candidly about the current state of the team. "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months," Elias remarked, hinting at the deeper issues plaguing the Orioles. "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."
The Orioles' record since the All-Star break stands at 26-29, a reflection of their struggles to reclaim the early-season form that positioned them as strong contenders. Currently, the team is four games behind the Yankees in the AL East but retains a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race, keeping their postseason aspirations alive.
The Legacy of Craig Kimbrel
Kimbrel's career, despite its recent setbacks, remains illustrious. He 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, underscoring a period marked by inconsistency.
At 36, Kimbrel faces an uncertain future. Once considered among the elite closers in baseball, his recent performances have cast doubt on his ability to continue competing at the highest level. The decision to designate him for assignment serves as a harsh reminder of the relentless nature of professional sports, where past achievements offer little refuge from present struggles.
Meanwhile, the Orioles aim to recalibrate and refocus. Baker's promotion reflects a need to bolster a bullpen that has had its fair share of challenges. With crucial games ahead, the team must find a way to regain the "mojo" that Mike Elias spoke of, balancing the infusion of new talent with the experience of its veterans.
As the season progresses, the Orioles' ability to navigate these turbulent waters will determine their postseason fate. For Craig Kimbrel, the next chapter remains unwritten, but his legacy in the annals of baseball is secure. The world of sports waits to see if this veteran reliever can engineer one more comeback.