Like many of the other American League clubs in the Wild Card chase, the Baltimore Orioles faltered at a critical time.
The Orioles have dropped eight of their last 11 games and they're losing ground against the Yankees in the battle for first place in the AL East. Like the Boston Red Sox, the late innings have been their kryptonite. Baltimore's $13 million closer hasn't answered the call when it counts.
The Orioles have designated former Red Sox pitcher Craig Kimbrel for assignment in the throes of their postseason push. Baltimore has recalled 29-year-old Bryan Baker from Triple-A to take the open slot on the 40-man roster.
Kimbrel spent three seasons with the Red Sox from 2016-18 and clocked a 2.44 ERA over 184.1 innings in that span. He struggled during Boston's 2018 postseason run and Alex Cora used Chris Sale to close out the 2018 World Series in his stead.
Kimbrel's season with the Orioles started fine. He collected a 3.00 ERA through May 31, and things started looking up for the veteran in June. He logged a 0.96 ERA through 10 appearances and it seemed the righty was trending in the right direction.
Orioles designate former Red Sox pitcher Craig Kimbrel for assignment in the midst of playoff race
The Baltimore Orioles have designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 18, 2024
But Kimbrel has posted a rough few months out of the bullpen when the Orioles needed him most. He has a 7.45 ERA in his last 29 innings pitched over 30 appearances. His last seven outings have been brutal — he's pitched to a 14.85 ERA with five walks over 6.2 frames. Kimbrel hasn't been the replacement for 2023 All-Star Félix Bautista that Baltimore needed to claim another AL East title.
The Orioles have fallen within two games of the Royals as they fight to maintain the first AL Wild Card spot. Based on his recent outings, using Kimbrel would be quite a risk for Baltimore with 11 games remaining and Kansas City on their tail.
Kimbrel's Orioles collapse marks his second-straight year with late-season issues. He posted a 5.73 ERA for the Phillies in August 2023 and only collected five saves between August and September.
Kimbrel is 36 years old and a 15-year MLB veteran. He won't be playoff eligible if he signs with another club once he clears waivers in Baltimore, so he'll probably wait for the offseason to find a new home if he finds one at all.