The Best Reactions to the Orioles DFA'ing Craig Kimbrel

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.