How will Kremer fit into Orioles starting rotation? | MAILBAG

Question: What would be the plan when Dean Kremer comes back? You can’t exactly remove Brandon Young from the starting rotation the way he is pitching. From: Eric B.

Answer: Eric, I’m not sure when Dean Kremer will be back. Due to a strained right quadriceps muscle, Kremer hasn’t pitched since April 20^th  and isn’t eligible to come off the 60-day injured list until June 19^th. It appears unlikely that he comes off when he’s eligible.

Since it’s been so long since Kremer pitched, it’s conceivable that his rehab assignment would be lengthy. Pitchers are allowed 30 days on a rehab assignment, so it could be well into July before Kremer returns.

When Kremer is ready to return, it’s possible the Orioles would replace one of the starters, or they could go with six starters. They also could use Kremer or another starter in the bullpen.

If each of the current five starters are healthy and pitching well, I don’t see Kremer replacing them. That would be an excellent problem for the Orioles to have.

As they did at the beginning of the season, the Orioles could option Kremer to Norfolk, but I don’t expect that.

Question: Rich, wondering about this guy: Andrew Magno. He is 28 and came from the Detroit organization. Is he considered a major league pitcher? His numbers certainly look good. From: Brady McDaniel

Answer: Brady, you’re correct that Andrew Magno’s numbers certainly look good. He pitched a scoreless inning on Sunday, allowing a hit.

Magno’s ERA is 0.72. In 25 innings, he’s allowed 20 hits, given up eight runs, six unearned, struck out 24 and walked 10.

The Orioles did see him during spring training, and if they need another left-hander, I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a call, especially with those numbers.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.