The Best Reactions to the Orioles DFA'ing Craig Kimbrel

Jul 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) prepares to throw a pitch during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

  • Phillies

The Baltimore Orioles designated pitcher Craig Kimbrel for assignment on Wednesday, one day after he allowed six runs in less than an inning of relief.

Kimbrel, 36, is top-five on MLB's career save list and had a solid start to the season with Baltimore. In 39 games before the All-Star break, the righthander posted a 2.80 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP while collecting 23 saves.

In 18 appearances in the second half, however, Kimbrel's ERA was 10.59 and his WHIP was 2.18.

Kimbrel's season trajectory was similar to that of his 2023 stint with the Phillies, when a strong first half sent him to the All-Star game. In the Phils' NLCS against Arizona, Kimbrel allowed four runs on five hits and four walks in just three innings.

Twitter reactions to the Kimbrel news did not disappoint:

Seranthony Dominguez, who the Phillies traded to Baltimore (along with Cristian Pache) in exchange for OF Austin Hays, took over as the Orioles' primary closer in August and is expected to continue in that role moving forward. Dominguez has a 3.26 ERA and nine saves since the trade.

The Dominguez storyline could make for great theater if the Phils and O's meet in this year's World Series.


author

John Foley

Before joining OnPattison.com, John Foley was a Phillies beat writer for PHLY Sports and the founder of a popular independent Phillies newsletter. He has provided nontraditional local sports coverage since 2013. Foley grew up in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. He's a proud product of the Philadelphia public school system, a Penn State grad, and a Georgetown Law alum. A licensed attorney, he sits on the board of the Papermill Food Hub, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping families in need throughout the city. Find him on your favorite social media: @2008philz.

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