The Baltimore Orioles designated veteran right-hander Craig Kimbrel for assignment on Wednesday, following one of the worst performances of the nine-time All-Star’s career, likely marking the end of his tenure with the team.
In a corresponding move, the Orioles called up right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
Kimbrel, 36, gave up six earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning during Baltimore’s 10-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants. The six runs allowed were the most in a single outing in his career.
Kimbrel joined the Orioles last December on a $13 million contract to step in for All-Star closer Felix Bautista, who underwent Tommy John surgery and is expected to return in 2025.
This season, Kimbrel has a 7-5 record with 23 saves, a 5.33 ERA, and six blown saves in 57 relief appearances, spanning 52 1/3 innings. He lost his role as closer to Seranthony Dominguez.
A 2022 All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kimbrel holds a career record of 56-47 with 440 saves, a 2.59 ERA, and 1,265 strikeouts in 809 2/3 innings. His 837 games pitched are the third-most among active players, trailing only Kenley Jansen (868) and David Robertson (855).
Kimbrel’s 440 career saves rank second among active players behind Jansen (446) and fifth all-time.
Over his career, Kimbrel has played for the Atlanta Braves, where he won the 2011 National League Rookie of the Year and led MLB in saves for four consecutive seasons (2011-2014). He has also suited up for the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Phillies, winning a World Series with the Red Sox in 2018.
Bryan Baker, 29, has posted a 1-1 record with a 4.71 ERA, six walks, and 18 strikeouts in 21 innings over 17 relief appearances for Baltimore this season.
