BALTIMORE, MD: Craig Kimbrel, an experienced right-hander, has been designated for assignment by the Orioles, as of Wednesday. In his place, Baltimore has recalled Bryan Baker, a righty, from Triple-A Norfolk.
After Felix Bautista, the All-Star closer, needed Tommy John surgery in October of last year, Kimbrel, 36, was signed to a one-year, $13MM contract during the winter.
Even though Kimbrel had a rough end to his 2023 season with the Phillies, which included three NLCS innings in which he gave up four runs, the team still trusted in his track record and outstanding strikeout percentage to help secure the ninth inning.
Even when walking a tightrope, Kimbrel was generally effective, at least early in the year. Although he was walking more often than he was striking out, he pitched to a perfect 2.10 earned run average in the first half of the season despite blowing four save opportunities. He has given up the ninth inning to former Phillies teammate Seranthony Dominguez, a deadline pickup, as things have gotten out of control since the All-Star break.
Kimbrel has given up 25 runs (23 of which were earned) in 18 innings of work since July 14. During that terrible run, he has plunked a hitter, walked 17 hitters, and allowed 23 hits, five of which were home runs. The pivotal moment occurred during a six-run outburst during the Giants game last night.
In what was perhaps his final and worst performance of the 2024 season, Kimbrel faced eight batters, gave up three hits (two singles and a double), walked two batters, and allowed a runner to advance on a wild pitch.
Kimbrel will undoubtedly clear waivers after being placed on them. A claiming team would be responsible for paying the prorated balance of this year's $12MM salary and the $1MM buyout on the club option for next year. He would also be ineligible for the postseason roster with another club.
That is not a move that any team will make. The club option will become void after he clears waivers and is freed, but the O's will still be responsible for paying him the $1 million buyout. For the last few days of the season, he could sign with any other team, but it's also likely that he will wait until the offseason to look for his next opportunity.