BALTIMORE— The Orioles recalled Dean Kremer from Triple-A Norfolk to start Monday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. They also optioned Cade Povich, who allowed one run on five hits in 6 2/3 innings on Sunday against San Francisco, to Triple-A Norfolk.
Kremer was surprisingly optioned to minor league camp on March 21st, the final day of Orioles’ Grapefruit League games. The Orioles decided to put Zach Eflin in the starting rotation, even though he was returning from back surgery last August. Eflin pitched well in spring training but tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in his first start and had season-ending Tommy John surgery last Wednesday.
Kremer led the Orioles in innings pitched, 171 2/3, last season — his fourth straight in the Orioles’ starting rotation. In two starts for Norfolk, Kremer had a 2.89 ERA. He allowed three runs on eight hits in 9 1/3 innings, striking out 12 and walking two.
“He’s extremely excited,’ manager Craig Albernaz said. “It was a big blow for him [being sent down]. He handled it like a pro, went down to Triple-A, got his work in, and he’s ready for this moment. He’s very excited to take the ball for us and be in the rotation.”
Kremer gave up a run in the first against the Diamondbacks but struck out the side in the second.
The Orioles considered putting Povich in the bullpen.
“We thought about it, for sure,” Albernaz said. “The depth is real by having what he’s proven to do at this level, especially as a starting pitcher. We just need the starting pitching depth. It’s something that’s always constantly being evaluated and talked about. His best bet to help us is to be a starter.”
Mountcastle goes to 60-day IL
The Orioles placed first baseman Ryan Mountcastle on the 60-day injured list because of a broken left foot. Mountcastle was injured while running out a double in the second inning of Saturday night’s game.
The Orioles purchased the contract of infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson from Triple-A Norfolk. Wilson, who came to spring training as a non-roster player, was hitting .195 with two home runs and six RBIs with the Tides.
He played the previous three seasons with Philadelphia, hitting .242 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs in 103 games. Wilson has played each of the four infield positions for Norfolk and has played the outfield for the Phillies.
“He’s a really good baseball player,” Albernaz said. “I think that’s kind of lost now where in the minor leagues, the contraction, you see a lot of young guys that are pushing through up in the big leagues. Wilson’s a little bit of a throwback where he’s a grinder baseball player.
“He plays all over the field, gives a great at-bat, sneaky athletic, can run. He’s an average fielder, if not above-average fielder at all of them. In certain spots, a tick above average. He brings a lot to the table and filling in and plugging in spots. He’s a real weapon against left-handed pitching as well.”
The Orioles also acquired corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. Encarnacion-Strand hit .233 with 21 home runs and 72 RBIs in 128 games in the past three seasons with Cincinnati. He played first and third base.
In 10 games this year with Triple-A Louisville, Encarnacion-Strand was hitting .222 with a home run and two RBIs.
To make room for Encarnacion-Strand on the 40-man roster, the Orioles transferred right-handed pitcher Yaramil Hiraldo to the 60-day injured list. Hiraldo has right shoulder inflammation.
Holliday won’t join Orioles this week
Second baseman Jackson Holliday won’t join the Orioles this week, Albernaz said. Holliday, who had surgery to remove the hamate bone from his right wrist, has been at Norfolk on a rehab assignment since March 27th. The rehab assignment ends this week. Holliday is hitting .167 with three RBIs in 11 games for Norfolk.
Huff on taxi squad
Catcher Sam Huff is on the taxi squad. Huff is hitting 156 with an RBI in nine games with Norfolk.
Orioles-Diamondbacks starting lineups
Orioles
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Taylor Ward-LF
Pete Alonso-1B
Samuel Basallo-C
Dylan Beavers-DH
Leody Taveras-CF
Colton Cowser-RF
Jeremiah Jackson-2B
Blaze Alexander-3B
Dean Kremer-RHP
Diamondbacks
Ketel Marte-2B
Corbin Carroll-RF
Geraldo Perdomo-SS
Adrian Del Castillo-C
José Fernández-DH
Ildemaro Vargas-1B
Nolan Arenado-3B
Alek Thomas-CF
Jorge Barrosa-LF
Ryne Nelson-RHP
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