The Baltimore Orioles designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment on Wednesday afternoon. In a corresponding move, fellow righty Bryan Baker was promoted from Triple-

After a difficult second half, erratic closer Craig Kimbrel has been designated for assignment by the contending Baltimore Orioles.

The Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday cut ties with nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel, designating him for assignment and recalling reliever Bryan Baker from the minors. The move could signal the end of what has been an incredibly successful 15-year career for Kimbrel that saw him pitch for eight different teams.

BALTIMORE - The skidding Baltimore Orioles lost to the San Francisco Giants, 5-3, Wednesday night at Camden Yards. Mike Yastrzemski homered on the game's first pitch, Michael Conforto also hit a solo shot for the Giants, who took the first two games in the series.

The San Francisco Giants (74-78) and Baltimore Orioles (84-68) clash Thursday afternoon to finish off a 3-game series. First pitch from Oriole Park at Camden Yards is slated for 1:05 p.m. ET (MLB Network).

It was a foregone conclusion for weeks, but the Giants officially saw their postseason chances reach zero in another heartbreaking loss.