Dean

Kremer

Kremer, 29, went 8-10 with a 4.10 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a 123/51 K/BB ratio over 129 2/3 innings in 24 starts for the Orioles during the 2024 campaign. He seems to hold a tenuous spot in the team’s starting rotation heading into the 2025 season, but any further additions to their rotation could leave him on the outside looking in. He’s getting no respect at all from fantasy managers in early drafts, currently residing outside the top 400 picks overall.

Quality over quantity would have been the better approach for the Orioles, but an upgrade is still an upgrade. The Morton signing knocked fifth-starter candidates Trevor Rogers, Albert Suárez and Cade Povich out of current rotation picture. Another addition would probably come at Dean Kremer’s expense, even though Kremer has gone 29-22 with a 3.85 ERA over the last three seasons. Of course, spring injuries could change things in a hurry.

Kremer pitched three scoreless frames to start the game, but gave up a 422-foot homer to Aaron Judge in the fourth inning to give the Yankees their first run of the night. It would be the only run Kremer would allow on the night, as the righty was solid throughout the evening in what was a must-win game for the Orioles. Kremer has allowed six earned runs over 24 innings this month, and will have a chance to close out a strong September on Sunday when he faces the Twins.

Kremer gave up seven hits, walked none and struck out seven. He had won his last three decisions entering Wednesday’s start. Kremer has struck out seven batters in each of his last three starts. He has a 4.19 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 120 strikeouts in 124 2/3 innings on the year. The 28-year-old right-hander is set to face the Tigers at home next week.

Kremer’s fastball smothers the Red Sox left-handed heavy lineup in this one. He kept it up and often away as it forced 11 swings-and-misses and got nine more called strikes. With that, he was ahead in the count early and often – he threw a first pitch strike to every single left he faced – and could keep hitters guessing with his splitter, cutter, and curveball. This is now three times Kremer has struck out at least seven hitters in his last five starts. He’d only done that four total times all year before this stretch. He’s scheduled to face the Giants at home his next time out.

Kremer was excellent against the Rays’ paltry offense. He had pinpoint command of his four-seamer and left nearly all of them right on the edge of the strike zone. That pitch forced six swings-and-misses and beautifully set up both his splitter and curveball which combined for seven swings-and-misses. Kremer looks like a stud when he’s locating those pitches along with his sinker and cutter. He’ll have a chance to stay hot in his next scheduled start against the Red Sox in Fenway Park.

Kremer will make his next start less than one week after being hit by a line drive in the right forearm by a 103-mph line drive last weekend in a start against the Rockies.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde told reporters Monday he would throw if the swelling in his forearm had went down, and it apparently has. The 28-year-old is still iffy to make his next scheduled start, but it’s obviously a positive sign that Kremer is able to throw.

Orioles’ manager Brandon Hyde told reporters on Sunday that he’s hopeful Kremer will avoid the injured list, but that he “would be surprised” if he’s able to pitch in the next 4-5 days. Fantasy managers should have an alternative option in place in the event that Kremer isn’t able to suit up next week.

Kremer was drilled in the arm by a 103.1-mph line drive off the bat of Jordan Beck on Saturday, causing his removal from the game. While he was able to avoid any structural damage, Kremer was dealing with quite a bit of swelling after it happened, and his next start could still be in jeopardy.