The Baltimore Orioles, currently battling to secure a postseason spot, have made a significant roster move by designating veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. In a corresponding move, the team has promoted right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk, aiming to bolster their bullpen during the crucial stretch of their season.
Kimbrel, a 36-year-old pitcher with an illustrious career, now finds himself at a crossroads. Despite holding the fifth spot on the all-time saves list and ranking second among active pitchers in the same category, his recent performance has raised concerns. Kimbrel's season started promisingly, with an ERA of 2.80 before the All-Star break. However, his subsequent performance has been anything but stellar, as he allowed six runs on three hits and two walks in a game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. Over his last 18 appearances, Kimbrel's ERA ballooned to 5.33, with 22 runs (20 earned) on 22 hits and 15 walks, coupled with a 10.59 ERA over 17 innings.
Recognizing the need for change, the Orioles removed Kimbrel from his closer's role, entrusting Seranthony Domínguez with the responsibility over the past month. Domínguez has provided stability in the closing innings, a role he is expected to continue as the team attempts to leverage every advantage in the tight AL East race.
Baltimore's decision to call up Bryan Baker, a 29-year-old right-hander, reflects their hope that fresh arms can rejuvenate a pitching staff that has struggled in recent months. Baker, who has made 17 appearances at the major league level this season, brings an overall 108 ERA+ into the mix, a metric indicating that he has performed slightly above league average throughout his career, which spans 130 major league appearances.
General Manager Mike Elias candidly addressed the current state of the team, saying, "The mojo that we've had has just drifted away from us the last few months. 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."
Indeed, the Orioles' post-All-Star Game performance has been less than ideal, reflected in their 26-29 record since the break. Consequently, they find themselves four games behind the Yankees in the AL East standings. Despite these struggles, the Orioles hold a four-game cushion in the AL wild-card race, a silver lining that underscores the importance of every game down the stretch.
Baker's ascent from Triple-A Norfolk signals a calculated risk aimed at stabilizing the bullpen. His track record suggests that he could be a steadying presence as Baltimore navigates a delicate balance between contending and faltering.
The Orioles' recent moves illustrate the urgency felt within the organization to rectify their recent downturn. Kimbrel's three seasons since 2019 with an ERA+ below 90 highlight the broader challenges facing seasoned veterans; even hallmarks of reliability like Kimbrel can encounter extended rough patches. This decision also underscores the indiscriminate nature of professional sports wherein even past accolades and high rankings do not shield one from the immediate demands of performance and results.
As Baltimore battles to fortify their bullpen and secure their place in the postseason, the promotion of Bryan Baker represents a hopeful step forward. The team will watch closely to see if his presence can catalyze a return to form for a club eager to reclaim the success that has been elusive in recent months.