Ex-Phillies All-Star available after sudden DFA by Orioles

The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season hasn't been kind to a former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star.

Former Phillies All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel spent the 2023 season with Philadelphia and earned his first All-Star nod in two years and ninth overall. He was everything the Phillies could've hoped for last year, but the 2024 season hasn't been as successful for him.

Kimbrel signed with the Baltimore Orioles to fill the closer role with star Félix Bautista out for the season. The veteran righty impressed to start the season and seemed like he was on pace for another All-Star campaign.

The wheels fell off, and overall, he has a 5.33 ERA in 57 appearances this season in 52 1/3 innings pitched. After a rough recent stretch, Baltimore gave up on Kimbrel and designated him for assignment on Wednesday in a surprise move, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

"The Baltimore Orioles have designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment," Passan said.

Kimbrel has been one of the best relievers in baseball throughout his 15-year big league career. Over that stretch, he has racked up nine All-Star nods, a Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award, a Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award, and was an important piece in the Boston Red Sox's 2018 World Series-winning club.

He likely won't find another opportunity this season, but he will find a new team in 2025. He's 36 years old and is a bounce-back candidate. Hopefully, he can get back on track next season.

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