Kremer starting today against Guardians (plus lineups)

The Orioles are removing pitcher Dean Kremer from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk and installing him as today’s starter against the Guardians in the last game of the series.

Kremer has tossed nine scoreless innings in three minor league starts, with two hits, two walks and 18 strikeouts.

This is Kremer’s first appearance with the Orioles since he started the first game of a Sept. 11, 2021 doubleheader against the Blue Jays and allowed five runs and seven hits in four innings. Toronto hit three home runs.

The final touches on a season that Kremer wants to forget.

He went 0-7 with a 7.55 ERA and 1.640 WHIP in 13 starts, competed for a rotation spot in spring training, and strained his oblique while warming in the bullpen during the third game at Tropicana Field. Kremer was supposed to enter in relief, but walked to the dugout with the injury.

The Orioles optioned Denyi Reyes to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for Kremer on the active roster.

Ryan McKenna is playing center field today. Austin Hays is leading off.

Ryan Mountcastle is the cleanup hitter. Adley Rutschman is catching.

The Guardians are starting right-hander Zach Plesac, their 12th-round pick in 2016 out of Ball State University.

Plesac, the nephew of former major league pitcher Dan Plesac, is 1-4 with a 4.93 ERA and 1.358 WHIP in nine starts. He held the Royals to one run over six innings in his last outing.

Plesac’s only career start against the Orioles went poorly. He faced them as a rookie in 2019 and allowed seven runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings in a 13-0 loss at Camden Yards.

Anthony Santander and Renato Núñez hit home runs.

For the Orioles
Austin Hays LF
Trey Mancini DH
Anthony Santander RF
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Ramón Urías 3B
Adley Rutschman C
Rougned Odor 2B
Ryan McKenna CF
Jorge Mateo SS

Dean Kremer RHP

For the Guardians
Myles Straw CF
Ahmed Rosario SS
José Ramírez 3B
Owen Miller 1B
Andrés Giménez 2B
Oscar Gonzalez RF
Richie Palacios DH
Luke Maile C
Steven Kwan LF

Zach Plesac RHP

This is my final entry for today. Granddaughter had her first sleepover last night and there’s more cuteness coming today. Maybe from her, as well.

Steve Melewski is handling game coverage.