Dean Kremer returns to the Baltimore Orioles tonight for his season debut after a two-week stint in Triple-A Norfolk. He replaces Zach Eflin in the rotation, while Cade Povich, who recently pitched well, has been demoted back to the minors.
SARASOTA, FL - FEBRUARY 18: (EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Dean Kremer #64 of the Baltimore Orioles poses for a photo during the Baltimore Orioles photo day at Ed Smith Stadium on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
SARASOTA, FL - FEBRUARY 18: (EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Dean Kremer #64 of the Baltimore Orioles poses for a photo during the Baltimore Orioles photo day at Ed Smith Stadium on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Ladies and gentlemen: Dean. Is. Back.
After a two-week banishment to Triple-A Norfolk to start the year, Dean Kremer is back in Baltimore and ready to make his Orioles season debut tonight. It ends one of the more bizarre sagas of the Oriolesā early 2026 season, in which Kremer ā who hadnāt pitched in the minors since 2021, aside from rehab assignments ā was left out in the cold when the Oās set their Opening Day rotation, then made two starts without being called up even after Zach Eflinās injury. The Orioles had both Brandon Young and Cade Povich make major league starts before summoning Kremer (although, considering those two each delivered excellent outings, maybe that wasnāt such a bad idea).
But now heās back. Tonight, Kremer will slide into the rotation in Eflinās place. And poor Povich, who delivered a gem against the Giants yesterday on his birthday, has been demoted back to Norfolk, just as Young was before him. Itās a dog-eat-dog world out there.
Kremer worked 4.2 innings in each of his two starts with the Tides, but his second outing (zero runs) was much improved over his first (three runs). His first major league opponent of the year is not one heās had success with. Heās faced the Diamondbacks twice, once in 2024 and once in 2025, and gave up 12 runs combined. Ouch. However, no current DāBacks hitter has more than six at-bats against him.
Arizona counters with righty Ryne Nelson, making his second career start against the Orioles. If Pete Alonso is going to continue the momentum of his two-hit day on Sunday, this is the perfect guy to do it against. He has demolished Nelson with four home runs in 11 career at-bats. In other roster news, the Oās placed Ryan Mountcastle on the 60-day IL with a left foot fracture, so the poor guy, who had already had to fight for playing time, is now gone for the next two months at least. The Oās called up utility guy Weston Wilson from Norfolk to take his place.
An Orioles win and a Yankees loss tonight would move the Oās into sole possession of first place in the AL East. Thatād be neat! Letās do it, guys.
Orioles lineup:
SS Gunnar Henderson
LF Taylor Ward
1B Pete Alonso
C Samuel Basallo
DH Dylan Beavers
CF Leody Taveras
RF Colton Cowser
2B Jeremiah Jackson
3B Blaze Alexander
Dean Kremer was sent to Triple-A Norfolk to start the year as part of the Orioles' Opening Day rotation decisions.
Who is replacing Zach Eflin in the Orioles' rotation?
Dean Kremer is replacing Zach Eflin in the Orioles' rotation for tonight's game.
What happened to Cade Povich after his recent performance?
Cade Povich, who pitched well against the Giants, has been demoted back to Norfolk after Kremer's return.
When is Dean Kremer's season debut for the Orioles?
Dean Kremer's season debut for the Orioles is scheduled for tonight at 6:35 PM.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Wings stifle Fudd-Bueckers relationship questions
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Terry Rozier Co-Conspirator Damon Jones To Change Plea To Guilty
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.