The Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment following a rough outing against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, where he gave up a career-high six earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning during a 10-0 loss, told MLB.
Kimbrel, 36, was signed by the Orioles in December to a one-year, $13 million deal, with hopes that he would take over as the team’s closer after Félix Bautista was sidelined for the season following Tommy John surgery. While Kimbrel had a promising start to the season, recording 23 saves in 39 appearances and allowing just 11 earned runs over 35 1/3 innings, his performance took a sharp downturn in the second half.
Since July 7, the date of his last save with Baltimore, Kimbrel struggled significantly, allowing runs in 11 of his final 19 appearances. Over that stretch, he surrendered 24 hits and issued 17 walks, a far cry from his dominant first half where he notched 53 strikeouts and held opponents to a .150 batting average with a 0.96 WHIP.
In response to Kimbrel’s struggles, the Orioles recalled right-handed reliever Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk to fill his spot in the bullpen.
This marks Kimbrel’s 15th MLB season, and the Orioles are the eighth team of his career. A nine-time All-Star, Kimbrel began his career with the Atlanta Braves in 2010, winning the National League Rookie of the Year in 2011 and serving as the Braves’ dominant closer for five seasons. He currently ranks fifth on the all-time saves list with 440, just six behind Kenley Jansen and 38 behind Hall of Famer Lee Smith.
Despite his legendary career, Kimbrel’s recent struggles proved too much for the Orioles to overlook as they continue their push for the postseason.