Orioles

Orioles designate Craig Kimbrel for assignment

SCROLL DOWN TO READ ARTICLE


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.

 

Rich Dubroff

Rich Dubroff grew up in Brooklyn as a fan of New York teams, but after he moved to Baltimore, quickly adopted the Orioles and Colts. After nearly two decades as a freelancer assisting on Orioles coverage for several outlets, principally The Capital in Annapolis and The Carroll County Times, Dubroff began covering the team fulltime in 2011. He spent five years at Comcast SportsNet’s website and for the last two seasons, wrote for PressBoxonline.com, Dubroff lives in Baltimore with his wife of more than 30 years, Susan.

Share
Published by
Rich Dubroff

Recent Posts

  • Midday Mailbag

Why is Orioles’ Mullins’ 2025 salary larger than Mountcastle’s? | MAILBAG

Question: How do arbitration-eligible players whose performance has declined over the last three years still…

January 14, 2025
  • Rich Dubroff

Reviewing Orioles’ international prospects; Kittredge joins bullpen; Caravan events

The International Signing Period begins on Wednesday, and the Orioles plan to continue building up…

January 14, 2025
  • Rich Dubroff

Orioles sign reliever Andrew Kittredge to 1-year contract with 2026 option

The Orioles made their signing of right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge official on Monday. Kittredge’s reported…

January 13, 2025
  • Midday Mailbag

Could Orioles sign multiple players to extensions? | MAILBAG

Question: Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg and Jackson Holliday are all represented by Scott Boras, who…

January 13, 2025
  • Spring Training

Our guide to Orioles’ spring training in Sarasota

Next month marks the 15th anniversary of the Orioles’ move to Sarasota for spring training.…

January 13, 2025
  • Rich Dubroff

Tough free-agent market for many former Orioles

In a market full of free-agent starters, Corbin Burnes was the most prized and signed…

January 12, 2025