The Orioles made a significant change to their bullpen as the regular season nears its end.
Baltimore on Wednesday designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The Orioles recalled right-handed pitcher Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
The American League East side signed Kimbrel last offseason on a one-year deal. The 2018 World Series champion continued to be a rollercoaster in his 15th season in the majors. Kimbrel recorded a 5.33 ERA in 52 1/3 innings while also striking out 73 batters and walking 31. The former Boston Red Sox closer had 5.3 walks per nine innings in 57 games.
Baltimore hoped Kimbrel could be a high-leverage reliever after Félix Bautista had Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss the season. But the right-hander remained erratic whenever he stepped onto the mound. The nine-time All-Star infamously cost the Philadelphia Phillies Games 3 and 4 in the National League Championship Series and has not been consistent since 2017.
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The Orioles hope their breakout season ends on a positive note as Kimbrel awaits the next step of his career.
Featured image via Tommy Gilligan/Imagn Images
