Orioles Wrap Up Spring Training: Kremer Optioned, Injury Updates Ahead of Opening Day

As the anticipation builds for Opening Day, which is just four days away, the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing their roster after wrapping up their exhibition schedule in Florida. Today’s 1:35 PM game against the Washington Nationals will be broadcast on MASN, adding to the excitement as the team prepares for the regular season.

In their Grapefruit League finale, the Orioles secured a thrilling 10-8 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, highlighted by Jhonkensy Noel’s impressive grand slam. While this performance showcased Noel’s potential, it is unlikely to significantly impact his chances of making the Opening Day roster. Several pitchers who will not feature on the roster took the mound, allowing runs, though Tyler Wells stood out with a scoreless inning, striking out three batters.

In a surprising move, the Orioles optioned Dean Kremer to minor league camp, a decision that had been anticipated since the signing of Chris Bassitt. Despite his consistent performance over the past three years, with ERAs closely clustered around 0.09 of each other, Kremer’s results haven’t warranted a spot in the rotation just yet. It’s possible the Orioles are planning to implement a six-man rotation, especially with early off days on March 27 and April 2. Kremer may still have a chance to secure a spot later in the season while building up his innings in Triple-A Norfolk.

Another factor to consider is Kremer’s struggles in April, where he posted a 7.04 ERA last year. If the Orioles can manage his April performance in the minors, it might benefit the franchise in the long run, as he could return to the majors better prepared to face hitters. The uncertainty surrounding his potential call-up in May remains a topic of intrigue among fans.

Manager Craig Albernaz shared some injury updates that could influence the Opening Day roster. He indicated that Dylan Beavers’ knee soreness is not expected to hinder his start to the season. Conversely, Heston Kjerstad is undergoing an MRI on his hamstring, which could further complicate roster decisions. Meanwhile, reliever Andrew Kittredge is working to minimize his time on the injured list, but it remains to be seen how that situation develops.

Despite the conclusion of spring training, the Orioles have yet to trim their roster to the required 26-man limit, with 42 players still in camp. The team likely has made its selections, but the timing of those announcements remains uncertain. General Manager Mike Elias might also surprise fans with unexpected moves, as he has done in the past.

Additional injury news includes Keegan Akin, who is dealing with a hip issue, potentially altering the dynamics of the bullpen. Should Akin be sidelined, Elias may consider calling up Anthony Nunez, a decision that could shake things up for the team.

As spring training wraps up, the Orioles are poised to make crucial decisions that will shape their roster for the upcoming season. With excitement in the air, fans are eager to see how these developments will unfold on Opening Day.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.