BALTIMORE -- When Dean Kremer was recalled by the Orioles to be the long-term rotation replacement for Zach Eflin (Tommy John surgery) on April 13, it seemed unlikely the team's starting staff would change anytime soon. That is, unless another injury occurred to one of the five starting pitchers.
A new injury was announced Thursday, and it was one sustained by Kremer, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right quad strain (retroactive to Monday). Baltimore recalled right-hander Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk, with Young scheduled to start Friday's series opener vs. Boston at Camden Yards.
It is not yet clear when Kremer strained his quad. The 30-year-old made his previous start vs. the Guardians in Cleveland last Saturday, allowing three earned runs on two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over six innings. He had nine strikeouts with four runs (two earned) allowed over five innings in his first MLB start of the season against the D-backs on April 13.
Kremer was surprisingly optioned to Triple-A during the final weekend of Spring Training, as the Orioles' rotation had become so deep there wasn't room for the righty at the time. Eflin secured the final spot and joined Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt on the Opening Day staff.
After making two starts for Norfolk, Kremer was recalled to replace Eflin, who will miss the rest of the season.
Before Kremer returned to Baltimore, the O's gave a spot start apiece to Young and left-hander Cade Povich, as temporary fill-ins were needed for Eflin at times that didn't line up with Kremer being on turn. Young tossed five scoreless innings in a win over the White Sox on April 6 in Chicago, while Povich threw 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball in a home victory vs. the Giants on April 12.
Young has been off to a terrific start at Triple-A this season, recording a 1.08 ERA over three starts for Norfolk. The 27-year-old former prospect tossed six scoreless innings vs. Jacksonville on April 12, then followed that performance by striking out 10 and not giving up a hit over 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball at Durham last Saturday.
Last year, Young got his first taste of the big leagues, posting a 6.24 ERA over 12 starts for the Orioles. Although he mostly struggled, he came within four outs of a perfect game last Aug. 15, when he tossed eight scoreless innings of one-hit ball at Houston.
If Kremer misses an extended period of time, then Young could get an opportunity to hold onto the rotation spot for the time being. However, Povich will also remain in the mix, as the 26-year-old southpaw racked up 10 strikeouts over five innings of one-run ball in a Triple-A start at Durham this past Sunday.
This marks the first time Kremer has gone on the IL since the 2024 season. He was a workhorse for Baltimore in '25, when he posted a 4.19 ERA in 171 2/3 innings over 31 games (29 starts).
Kremer was one of only a few O's regulars to not spend time on the injured list in 2025, when they used the IL 39 times for 29 players during their 75-87 season. This year, the club's injury luck has again not been great, as Kremer became the 14th Orioles player to hit the IL (and the 13th presently on it).