Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has vowed to stand behind struggling closer Craig Kimbrel.
The Orioles have $13 million invested in Kimbrel this season, so they are going to do everything possible to get him back on track.
“We’re going to stick with him,” Hyde said. “This guy’s got a big-time track record, he’s a Hall of Famer, and we need to get him right because he’s big for us. It’s important that we get him right.”
However, Hyde has not been hesitant to replace Kimbrel when he gets into trouble.
Kimbrel was pulled in a save situation in his second straight outing on May 8 during a 7-6, 12-inning victory against Washington Nationals. The Orioles split the two games at Nationals Park.
Kimbrel, who turns 36 this month, entered with a 3-1 lead in the ninth but allowed a two-out homer to Eddie Rosario before walking Trey Lipscomb and Jacob Young. Hyde replaced Kimbrel with Keegan Akin, who gave up a game-tying single to CJ Abrams before getting out of the inning.
The Orioles managed to prevail in the 12th on an RBI single by Jorge Mateo, who added an insurance run by scoring on a wild pitch.
Kimbrel has been credited with three blown saves, which doesn’t include the May 8 outing. He has managed one save in his past five appearances. Kimbrel is having trouble finding the strike zone and has seven walks and four strikeouts in his last five appearances.
In the meantime, Hyde does have other ninth-inning options, most notably with Yennier Cano, who replaced Kimbrel on May 4 against the Cincinnati Reds and picked up his first save of the season. Jacob Webb could also be an option.
Nine-Game Homestand Begins
The Orioles begin a nine-game homestand on May 10. They are in first place in the American League, a half-game ahead of the New York Yankees.
The Orioles have three games this weekend against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cole Irvin, John Means and Dean Kremer are scheduled to start for the Orioles.
Irvin starts the opener and has not allowed a run in 20.2 innings — the best mark of his career. Means and Kremer also had scoreless outings in their previous starts.
The Orioles then host another key three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, who trail them by 7.5 games in the AL East. The Orioles close the homestand against the Seattle Mariners next weekend.
The homestand will get off to an entertaining start with new owner David Rubenstein briefly taking over the role of Mr. Splash, who soaks fans with a garden hose in the Bird Bath section in the outfield.
Austin Hays Working His Way Back
Orioles left fielder Austin Hays is recovering from a left calf strain and has played three games for Double-A Bowie. He has two homers and a double for the Baysox, a good sign after going 5-for-45 to start the 2024 season with the Orioles.
“I think we’d like to get him some at-bats,” Hyde said. “It is a calf, so we’re kind of building a little bit. … I’d like to see him get as many at-bats as possible.”
Hays and Colton Cowser could platoon in left field. Cowser is slashing .277/.346/.564 with six home runs and 20 RBIs. Hays could also share center field with Cedric Mullins, who is 5-for-38 against left-handers.
The Orioles also need to decide if Ryan McKenna or Heston Kjerstad goes to make room for Hays’ imminent return.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Baltimore Orioles