Craig Kimbrel's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel has been removed from his normal role as Orioles closer. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde told reporters Saturday that he talked with the 35-year-old Friday afternoon about the change in plans. Hyde said he intends to take it day-by-day and that he's not sure when Kimbrel will return back to the closer role, hinting that this move may be more temporary. "We need him to be Craig Kimbrel and we need him to be the lockdown guy he's been for his entire career," the Orioles manager stated. Kimbrel had failed to convert four of his last five save opportunities before the change on Friday night, when he threw a perfect seventh inning. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on Kimbrel over the next couple weeks, but should be looking for other closers if Kimbrel was their starting closer.

Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that right-hander Craig Kimbrel (back) will return to his normal role as closer on Friday for the start of a series against the Cincinnati Reds. Kimbrel will return to the fold at the back end of Baltimore's bullpen after not appearing in a game since injuring his back last Sunday against the Oakland Athletics. The 35-year-old's back injury could explain why he's blown both of his last two save chances while allowing three runs. It's something to keep a close eye on moving forward. Kimbrel is currently sporting a 3.18 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with seven saves, six walks and 17 strikeouts in his 11 1/3 innings pitched. If Kimbrel's back issues return and he's forced to miss more time, a closer committee could form in Baltimore between Jacob Webb, Danny Coulombe and Yennier Cano.

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (back) is uncertain for Tuesday's game against the New York Yankees. The veteran reliever left Sunday's game due to back tightness. He is currently considered as day-to-day. Orioles' manager Brandon Hyde said he was unsure if Kimbrel would be available for Tuesday's game. The right-hander will likely throw pregame before the team decides on his availability. If he's out, Yennier Cano figures to remain the closer in Baltimore for at least one more night.

Baltimore Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel (back) is considered day-to-day with upper-back tightness, according to manager Brandon Hyde. The skipper doesn't think Kimbrel's soreness is workload related. The 35-year-old right-handed reliever has blown his last two save chances and didn't even record an out while giving up two earned runs in the team's 7-6 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. The Orioles are hoping that he can avoid going on the injured list, but fantasy managers should prepare for the worst here. Kimbrel is not going to be available if another save situation arises in the series opener on Monday against the division-rival New York Yankees. Those in need of saves should run to the waiver wire and pick up Yennier Cano if he's available, as he's the favorite to be Baltimore's closer if Kimbrel ends up missing extended time.

Baltimore Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel blew his second consecutive save on Sunday before leaving the game alongside the team's training staff. Kimbrel issued a four-pitch walk to Darrell Hernaiz and then served up a two-run home run to Kyle McCann before leaving. He also blew the save in Friday's game after allowing two hits and three walks. It is unclear at this point what Kimbrel's injury is, but something was off with the veteran reliever. Expect more news to come out shortly from the Orioles.