The Baltimore Orioles have designated veteran closer Craig Kimbrel for assignment following a series of poor performances, culminating in a disastrous outing where he allowed six runs in less than an inning. This decision signifies a bold acknowledgment by the Orioles that Kimbrel, who previously had a solid first half with a 2.80 ERA, could no longer contribute effectively as they vie for a postseason spot. Kimbrel's recent struggles have seen his ERA soar to over 10.00 since the All-Star break, prompting the team to prioritize roster optimization for playoff competitiveness. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers clinched the NL Central title, capitalizing on the Cubs' struggles, including a recent loss that secured the Brewers' victory. Former Cubs manager Craig Counsell, now with Chicago, faces criticism as his old team thrives without him, further highlighting the stark contrast in performance between the two franchises. As the season winds down, both teams are navigating the challenges of managing expectations and player performance.