SARASOTA—The Orioles made a surprising move on Saturday, optioning right-handed starter Dean Kremer to minor league camp. Kremer, who pitched for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, allowed one run on two hits in 4 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees in Tampa on Thursday. He struck out eight and walked three.

The move allows Zach Eflin, who gave up just one hit in 5 1/3 scoreless innings on Friday night against the Yankees, to slide into the starting rotation.

Kremer must stay in the minor leagues for 15 days before he’s recalled unless another starter is injured.

In six major league seasons, Kremer is 41-40 with a 4.26 ERA with the Orioles.

The Orioles reassigned right-handed pitchers Hans Crouse, Nestor German and Trey Gibson to minor league camp.

There are 43 players, including nine non-roster invitees and relievers Félix Bautista and Colin Selby, who are on the 60-day injured list.

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