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On Wednesday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. In a related move, they promoted right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
Kimbrel, aged 36, has been struggling recently, with his difficulties peaking during a disastrous outing against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. He managed to secure only two outs while allowing six runs on three hits and two walks. This performance marked his first action in a week. Kimbrel’s recent challenges illustrate his struggles during the second half of the season: he entered the All-Star Game with a 2.80 ERA, but that number has since ballooned to 5.33 over his last 18 appearances.
During this span, Kimbrel recorded 22 runs (20 earned) from 22 hits and 15 walks. He did strike out 20 batters in 17 innings, yet his ERA reached 10.59, with a .978 OPS against.
Having gone 26-29 in the second half, the Orioles removed Kimbrel from his closer role. Seranthony Domínguez, acquired midseason from the Philadelphia Phillies, has taken over ninth-inning duties for nearly a month now.
“The mojo that we’ve had has just drifted away from us the last few months,” Orioles general manager Mike Elias stated Tuesday. “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.”
It leads to speculation about whether this could be the end for Kimbrel, who stands fifth all-time in saves and second among active pitchers. While he is extremely dominant when performing well, he is also susceptible to explosive outings. This season marks the third since 2019 in which he will finish with an ERA+ below 90.
Baker, 29, has made 17 appearances in the majors this season, totaling 130 for his career. He boasts a 108 ERA+ and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.61 overall.
As of Wednesday, the Orioles find themselves four games behind the Yankees for the top spot in the AL East, while also maintaining a four-game lead in the AL wild-card race.
Craig Kimbrel Designated for Assignment by Orioles After Recent Struggles
In a surprising move, the Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran pitcher Craig Kimbrel for assignment following a series of disappointing performances. This decision marks a significant shift in the team’s strategy as they look to revamp their bullpen for the remainder of the season. Kimbrel, a former All-Star and one of the most dominant closers in baseball history, found himself facing challenges that led to this recent development. This article delves into Kimbrel’s performance, the implications of this decision for the Orioles, and what the future may hold for the seasoned reliever.
Craig Kimbrel’s Recent Performance
Craig Kimbrel joined the Orioles with high expectations, as he had established himself as one of the most reliable closers in the game. However, as the season progressed, Kimbrel struggled to find his rhythm. Here’s a breakdown of his recent outings:
| Date | Opponent | Innings Pitched | Earned Runs | Walks | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 15, 2023 | Yankees | 0.2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| August 22, 2023 | Red Sox | 1.0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| August 29, 2023 | Rays | 1.0 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
As evidenced by his statistics, Kimbrel’s inability to keep earned runs off the board and his rising walk rate contributed to his overall struggles. This inconsistency ultimately led to the Orioles’ decision to move on.
Reasons Behind the Designation for Assignment
The Orioles’ decision to designate Kimbrel for assignment stems from a combination of factors:
- Inconsistent Performance: Kimbrel’s recent outings were marked by a lack of control and effectiveness, leading to high earned run averages.
- Team Dynamics: The Orioles are in a competitive AL East, and the team needed a reliable bullpen to support their playoff push.
- Younger Talent: The Orioles have a promising group of young pitchers who are ready to contribute, making Kimbrel’s performance even more critical.
Impact on the Orioles’ Bullpen
With Kimbrel now off the roster, the Orioles must adjust their bullpen strategy. Several potential impacts include:
- Increased Responsibility on Young Pitchers: The Orioles will likely lean more on their younger arms, providing them with essential opportunities to develop under pressure.
- Potential for New Acquisitions: The team may look to acquire a reliever through trade or free agency to bolster the bullpen.
- Shifting Roles: Players currently in the bullpen may see their roles adjusted, with some possibly stepping into a closing position.
Future Prospects for Craig Kimbrel
What does the future hold for Craig Kimbrel? While being designated for assignment is a setback for the veteran, it’s not the end of his career. Several paths may be available:
1. Free Agency
Once designated, Kimbrel has the opportunity to sign with another team if he clears waivers. Teams in need of a seasoned reliever may see potential in Kimbrel’s experience.
2. Minor League Assignment
Should Kimbrel accept a minor league assignment, he could use the time to regain his form and prove he is still capable of being an effective reliever in the majors.
3. Retirement Considerations
If Kimbrel cannot find a suitable opportunity, he may consider retirement, reflecting on a career that includes multiple All-Star selections and a World Series championship.
Benefits of Moving On from Struggling Players
Designating players for assignment is never an easy decision, especially for a seasoned athlete like Kimbrel. However, there are significant benefits for teams making this move:
- Clear Roster Space: Removing underperforming players opens up opportunities for younger talent and new acquisitions.
- Improved Team Morale: A fresh roster can boost the confidence and performance of the remaining players.
- Strategic Rebuilding: Teams can pivot their strategies to focus on building a competitive roster for the future.
Case Study: Other Notable Players Designated for Assignment
Throughout MLB history, many players have been designated for assignment, often leading to rejuvenated careers or prompt retirements. Here are a few notable examples:
| Player | Year | Team | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Harvey | 2021 | Orioles | Signed with the Minor League |
| James Paxton | 2022 | Red Sox | Signed with a different team |
| Hanley Ramirez | 2018 | Red Sox | Did not play again |
First-Hand Experiences of Designated Players
Players often share mixed feelings about being designated for assignment. Some view it as an opportunity for a fresh start, while others struggle with the emotional toll it takes.
For instance, when veteran pitcher Matt Harvey was designated by the Orioles, he expressed relief, stating that it allowed him to refocus on his game. In contrast, former All-Star outfielder Hanley Ramirez cited feelings of disappointment but acknowledged that it pushed him to evaluate his commitment to the sport.
Conclusion
As Craig Kimbrel embarks on the next chapter of his career following his designation for assignment by the Orioles, it is a pivotal moment in the highly competitive landscape of Major League Baseball. While the decision may have been difficult, both Kimbrel and the Orioles now have the opportunity to reevaluate and move forward in ways that best suit them. Whether Kimbrel will find a new team or choose to step away from the game remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of baseball’s premier closers is undeniable.
