Sep 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) walks off the field after being removed during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The Orioles designated right-handed relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel for assignment on Wednesday. Kimbrel, who allowed a career-high six runs while recording just two outs in the ninth inning of Tuesday night’s 10-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants, was 7-5 with a 5.33 ERA.
The 36-year-old Kimbrel was signed as the team’s closer for 2024 last December for $12 million, and the Oriolos will pay a $1 million buyout of his option for 2025. The Orioles signed Kimbrel because they lost last year’s closer, Félix Bautista, to Tommy John surgery.
Kimbrel has 440 career saves, fifth on the all-time saves list, but the last of his 23 saves came on July 7th. He had a rough stretch in the first half of the season but bounced back to become an effective closer again before the All-Star break. Kimbrel has regressed in the second half, and Tuesday night’s outing was his worst.
To replace Kimbrel on the roster, the Orioles recalled right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
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