The Rise and Fall of Craig Kimbrel: Orioles Shake Up Bullpen
The Rise and Fall of Craig Kimbrel: Orioles Shake Up Bullpen
The Baltimore Orioles have made a major move in their bullpen, designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. After a series of challenging appearances, the team decided it was time to promote right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk, perhaps in hopes of stabilizing their pitching roster as they navigate the latter part of the season.
Craig Kimbrel, at 36 years old, has experienced a dramatic shift in his performance. His statistics tell a concerning story. Before the All-Star break, Kimbrel maintained a respectable 2.80 ERA, but his performance has sharply declined since then. Over his last 18 appearances, Kimbrel's ERA ballooned to 5.33, allowing 22 runs—20 of them earned—on 22 hits and 15 walks in just 17 innings pitched. This recent stretch brought his ERA over those innings to a staggering 10.59, leaving the Orioles with little choice but to make a change.
A Long-time Closer Struggles
Kimbrel's struggles were highlighted Tuesday night when he allowed six runs on three hits and two walks against the San Francisco Giants. The former closer, who ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers, has witnessed a significant downturn in his career, with this season becoming his third since 2019 where he holds an ERA+ below 90.
These unfaltering signs of decline led to the removal of Kimbrel from the closer's role several weeks ago. Seranthony Domínguez has filled the void as the team's closer, attempting to bring more consistency and reliability to a bullpen that has seen its share of struggles.
The Ascendance of Bryan Baker
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Bryan Baker has been called up in hopes of injecting fresh energy into the bullpen. Baker has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season, adding to his career total of 130. With an overall ERA+ of 108, the Orioles are optimistic about the stability Baker can provide during this transitional phase.
Despite Baker’s arrival, the Orioles face an uphill battle. Since the All-Star break, Baltimore holds a 26-29 record and trails the New York Yankees by four games in the AL East. Nonetheless, they manage to hold a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race, a crucial buffer as the season barrels towards its final months.
Team Dynamics and Challenges
Reflecting on the team’s recent difficulties, Orioles GM Mike Elias offered insights into the broader challenges. "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months," Elias acknowledged. "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's remarks underscore the multifaceted struggles that the Orioles have faced, suggesting that Kimbrel's issues are symptomatic of larger dynamics at play within the team.
Looking Forward
The Orioles’ moves indicate a willingness to adapt strategically as the season progresses, balancing veteran experience with emerging talent. As Bryan Baker steps into a more prominent role, the Orioles’ faithful will be watching closely, hoping that the pitching roster solidifies and helps push the team towards a strong finish in the standings.
The story of Craig Kimbrel’s season underscores the volatile nature of professional sports, where even the most established players can find themselves battling unexpected challenges. The Orioles’ decisions over the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their postseason fate and attempting to turn their fortunes around as they vie for a spot in October.
