Orioles manager explains Craig Kimbrel’s new role

Apr 14, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) looks on during the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles are demoting struggling closer Craig Kimbrel, at least for the time being.

Kimbrel pitched the seventh inning of Friday’s 4-2 win over Arizona, with Yennier Cano getting ninth inning duties instead. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde suggested this will remain the case at least in the short-term, as the team looks to get its struggling closer back on track. Hyde described Kimbrel’s usage as “day-to-day” at this point.

Brandon Hyde says his plans for Craig Kimbrel’s usage are “day to day” right now. Used him in the seventh tonight to give the struggling closer a different look.

— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) May 11, 2024

Kimbrel did pitch a scoreless seventh, striking out one without allowing a baserunner.

The Orioles had hoped Kimbrel would stabilize the back of their bullpen with Felix Bautista sidelined for the entirety of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. It has been a struggle for the veteran, however, as he has allowed seven earned runs in 14.1 innings of work while blowing three saves. Things hit rock bottom for him this week, when he was removed in the ninth inning twice during a pair of bad outings before he even got the chance to let the lead slip.

The bullpen is the only real weak spot the Orioles have shown so far, and it means they might have to make an in-season move to address it.