Craig Kimbrel’s time with the Baltimore Orioles has come to an end. On Wednesday, the Orioles designated their former closer for assignment after another tough performance.
Kimbrel allowed six runs on three hits in just two-thirds of an inning during Baltimore’s 10-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. In his last 11 appearances over the past month, he has a 13.94 ERA.
Kimbrel is a nine-time All-Star who has pitched in 837 games and achieved an impressive 440 saves. However, this season, which is his first with Baltimore, he has a 5.33 ERA and has blown six saves.
His last of 23 saves with the Orioles was on July 7. After that, following several bad outings, Kimbrel tried hard to get back to the level that allowed him to pitch effectively in the bullpen since he started in the major leagues in 2010 with Atlanta.
Unfortunately, he was unable to regain that form.
“Tough day,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “We have so much respect for Craig and his career. It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone who’s done a lot.”
The Orioles have lost eight of their last 11 games and now trail the New York Yankees by four games in the AL East. As part of a roster change, they called up right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
In related news, Orioles general manager Mike Elias signed Kimbrel to a $13 million contract in December to fill the spot left by Félix Bautista, who had 48 saves last year but went on the disabled list due to an elbow injury.
Bautista had Tommy John surgery, which will keep him out for the entire 2024 season.
Kimbrel’s 23 saves before the All-Star Game helped the defending AL East champions lead the division at the break.
“Heck of a first half for us. Helped us win a ton of games,” Hyde said.
Kimbrel’s struggles began with a blown save on July 14 against the Yankees. He got the win in that game even though he allowed three runs in the ninth inning.
