'Orioles Designate for Assignment 9-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel'
The Baltimore Orioles have designated right-hander Craig Kimbrel for assignment on Wednesday, following a disastrous performance and likely marking the end of his time with the team.
In a corresponding move, the Orioles have recalled right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
Kimbrel, who is 36 years old, gave up six runs (all earned) in just 2/3 of an inning during the Orioles' 10-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants. This was the worst single-game performance of his nine-time All-Star career.
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Last December, the Orioles signed Kimbrel to a $13 million contract in order to replace All-Star closer Felix Bautista, who underwent Tommy John surgery during the offseason and is expected to return for the 2025 season.
So far this season, Kimbrel has a record of 7-5 with 23 saves, a 5.33 ERA, and six blown saves in 52 1/3 innings over 57 relief appearances. He was recently replaced as the closer by Seranthony Dominguez.
Kimbrel, who was an All-Star last season with the Philadelphia Phillies, has a career record of 56-47 with 440 saves, a 2.59 ERA, and 1,265 strikeouts in 809 2/3 innings. Among active players, his 837 games played ranks third, behind Kenley Jansen (868) and David Robertson (855).
His 440 saves rank second among active players and fifth all-time, behind Jansen (446).
Kimbrel played for the Atlanta Braves from 2010-2014, where he won National League Rookie of the Year in 2011 and led the majors in saves for four consecutive seasons (2011-2014).
Throughout his career, Kimbrel has also played for the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Phillies. He won a World Series with Boston in 2018.
Baker, who is 29 years old, has a record of 1-1 with a 4.71 ERA, six walks, and 18 strikeouts in 21 innings over 17 relief appearances for Baltimore this season.
