The Baltimore Orioles designated right-hander Craig Kimbrel for assignment on Wednesday, a day after one of the worst outings of the nine-time All-Star’s career and likely ending his time with the team.
In a corresponding move, the Orioles recalled right-hander Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
Kimbrel, 36, yielded six runs (all earned) in 2/3 of an inning in host Baltimore’s 10-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants. The six runs — earned or unearned — were his career worst for one appearance.
The Orioles signed him last December to a $13 million contract to replace All-Star closer Felix Bautista, who had Tommy John surgery in the offseason and is expected to return for the 2025 season.
Kimbrel is 7-5 with 23 saves, a 5.33 ERA and six blown saves in 52 1/3 innings over 57 relief appearances. He lost his job as the closer to Seranthony Dominguez.
An All-Star last season with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kimbrel is a career 56-47 with 440 saves, a 2.59 ERA and 1,265 strikeouts in 809 2/3 innings. His 837 games played ranks third among active players behind Kenley Jansen (868) and David Robertson (855).
Kimbrel’s 440 saves rank second behind Jansen (446) among active players and fifth all-time.
He played for the Atlanta Braves from 2010-14, winning National League Rookie of the Year in 2011 and leading the major leagues in saves in four straight seasons (2011-14).
Kimbrel has also spent time with the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Phillies, winning a World Series with Boston in 2018.
Baker, 29, is 1-1 with a 4.71 ERA, six walks and 18 strikeouts in 21 innings over 17 relief appearances for Baltimore this season.
