The Baltimore Orioles Shake Up Their Bullpen
In a significant move as the regular season winds down, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. This decision comes in the wake of Kimbrel's ongoing struggles on the mound. The 36-year-old pitcher’s recent performance has not met the team’s expectations, prompting the Orioles to seek alternatives.
Performance Struggles
Kimbrel’s recent outing against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night was particularly concerning. He allowed six runs on three hits and two walks, deteriorating his performance metrics beyond repair. Before the All-Star break, Kimbrel maintained a respectable ERA of 2.80. However, his post-All-Star game statistics tell a different story. Over his last 18 appearances, his ERA ballooned to 5.33. During this span, he gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, striking out just 20 batters over 17 innings, resulting in a horrendous 10.59 ERA.
Given these statistics, it’s no surprise that Kimbrel was removed from the closer’s role, with Seranthony Domínguez taking over the position over the past month. Kimbrel's decline is troubling, especially considering his historic standing in the game. He ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers. Nevertheless, this season appears to be another challenging chapter in his storied career, marking his third season since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90.
New Faces and Fresh Hopes
In response, the Orioles have promoted Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk. The 29-year-old right-hander has shown promise both in the minors and during his major league appearances. This season alone, Baker has made 17 appearances at the major league level, boasting an ERA+ of 108. Over his career, he has participated in 130 major league games, proving his potential as a reliable asset in the bullpen.
Team Dynamics and Leadership Perspectives
The Orioles have had a roller-coaster season, currently holding a 26-29 record since the All-Star break. They are four games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East and hold a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race. Despite the team's struggles, there is a sense of resilience and a desire to recalibrate and push forward.
General Manager Mike Elias commented on the team’s recent challenges, “The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months.” He added, “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’ remarks highlight the internal acknowledgment of the issues at hand and the commitment to addressing them.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Orioles will need to rely on their depth and the fresh energy brought by players like Bryan Baker to bolster their playoff hopes. While Craig Kimbrel's departure marks the end of an era, it also signifies a pivotal moment for the franchise to inject new life into their bullpen strategy.