It sounds like Mike Elias and Brandon Hyde have different closers in mind

It’s no secret that the Baltimore Orioles have had issues at the back end of the bullpen this season. Their primary closer, Felix Bautista, is missing the entire 2024 season after having Tommy John surgery in 2023. The O’s addressed their need at closer in the offseason when they signed Craig Kimbrel, but Bautista is arguably the games best closer and he left big shoes to fill.

At times this season, Kimbrel has looked like the potential future hall of famer the Orioles were hoping for. Other times not so much. He does have 23 saves, six wins and 60 strikeouts in 41.0 innings. But he also has six blown saves, and some control issues that have made him unreliable in save situations.

Kimbrel was fantastic in May and June. He converted 13 of his 14 save opportunities, allowed just four earned runs (5 total) in 19 innings and had a 27/7 K/BB ratio. He was pitching so well that he was considered one of the biggest all-star snubs when he was left off the team. July was a different story.

Kimbrel allowed seven earned runs (9 total) in 9.2 innings in July and has again found himself pitching earlier in games in low leverage situations. The additions of Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto, to go along with Yennier Canó, have given the Orioles some extra late inning options.

Last week, Orioles' GM Mike Elias publicly stated that Kimbrel is still the team’s closer. Elias has a lot of power in the organization and deserves a lot of credit for the Orioles’ success, but it is ultimately not his decision. The final say comes from Manager Brandon Hyde.

Since Elias’ statement, the Birds have had just one save opportunity and it was Canó who was called upon to secure the 7-4 victory over Cleveland on Saturday. To be fair, Kimbrel did pitch an inning the day before, but that was on three days rest and closers need to be able to pitch two days in a row.

On Sunday the Orioles again held a lead late in the game and needed their high leverage relievers. This time Canó came in to pitch the eighth inning with a four run lead. After holding the Guardians scoreless, again went to his bullpen for the ninth inning. This time he called for Domínguez to pitch the ninth. Again to be fair, the Orioles had a four run lead so it was not a save situation and Kimbrel was warming up along side Domínguez incase he were to be needed. He was not as Domínguez sealed the victory. 

The choice to use Domínguez is curious because Hyde has been trying to get Kimbrel some lower leverage situations and a four run lead would qualify as lower leverage. The Birds also had an off day on Monday so Kimbrel wouldn’t have been needed on back to back days. The bottom line is while Kimbrel may still be the teams’ closer officially, it seems like he’s lost his managers trust and will have a very short leash.

It wouldn't be surprising if Hyde began to use a closer by committee approach until one player stands out. The return of Danny Coulombe in September could complicate things further. As long as they’re winning though, it shouldn't matter who the last pitcher out of the bullpen is.