Orioles Shake Up Bullpen Amidst Late-Season Struggles
Orioles Shake Up Bullpen Amidst Late-Season Struggles
In a significant move aimed at overhauling their beleaguered bullpen, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. Kimbrel, a seasoned 36-year-old pitcher, has been struggling significantly in recent outings, which has necessitated this change. In his place, the Orioles have promoted fellow right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
Kimbrel's recent performance has been a far cry from the dominance that once made him one of the game's premier closers. In a recent game against the San Francisco Giants, Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits and two walks in a particularly rough outing. His ERA has ballooned from a respectable 2.80 before the All-Star break to a worrying 5.33 over his last 18 appearances. During this span, he gave up 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, striking out 20 batters across 17 innings which resulted in an ERA of 10.59. Due to these struggles, he was removed from the closer’s role, with Seranthony Domínguez taking over that position over the past month.
Kimbrel’s Decline
This season marks Kimbrel's third since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90, underscoring the decline of a pitcher who ranks fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers. It’s clear that the veteran's days as a dominant force are dwindling, and the Orioles have opted to make a change as they seek to fortify their bullpen for the final stretch of the season.
Bryan Baker, a 29-year-old right-hander, will step into the spotlight following his promotion. With 17 appearances at the major league level this season and a career total of 130, Baker brings some experience to the table. He has demonstrated his abilities with a solid overall 108 ERA+ in his career, and the Orioles will be hoping he can provide some stability and effectiveness to their bullpen.
Team Performance and Challenges
The Orioles' decision comes amidst a period of reflection and reassessment for the team. They have posted a 26-29 record since the All-Star break, a performance that sees them four games behind the Yankees in the AL East. Despite the struggles, they hold a four-game advantage in the AL wild-card race, slim but significant as they aim to secure a playoff spot.
General Manager Mike Elias provided some insight into the team’s challenges. “The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months,” he 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."
Moving Forward
The Orioles will need every bit of resilience and strategic acumen as they navigate the remainder of the season. The decision to designate Kimbrel for assignment reflects a broader desire to create a more consistent and reliable bullpen, essential for a team with playoff aspirations. The hope is that Bryan Baker can step in and deliver performances that will help steady the ship.
As Kimbrel’s potential departure looms, it marks the end of what has been a distinguished yet recently tumultuous chapter with the Orioles. This move highlights the often harsh realities of professional sports, where past achievements can quickly be overshadowed by current performance struggles. For now, Baltimore's focus will be on closing the gap in the AL East and solidifying their wildcard standing, with the revamped bullpen playing a critical role in that pursuit.
