Kremer rejoins Orioles' roster, Vespi optioned, more notes before tonight's game in Seattle

SEATTLE – The Orioles reinstated Dean Kremer from the 15-day injured list his afternoon and optioned left-handed reliever Nick Vespi to Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. Kremer starts tonight versus the Mariners.

Kremer made three rehab starts after recovering from a right triceps strain. He hasn’t pitched for the Orioles since May 20 in St. Louis. His last appearance with Triple-A Norfolk came June 27.

The rotation needs Kremer, whose posted a 4.32 ERA and 1.120 WHIP in nine games.

Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells underwent elbow surgeries that keep them sidelined throughout the remainder of the 2024 season. They also won’t be available at the beginning of 2025.

Means is a pending free agent.

Today's move leaves the Orioles with six starters. They could stick with five and provide the bullpen with a bulk reliever.

Kremer has made four career starts against the Mariners and allowed eight runs in 23 innings. He’s permitted only one run in 13 innings in two starts at T-Mobile Park.

Julio Rodríguez is 4-for-6 with a double and home run against Kremer. Mitch Garver is 3-for-6 with two doubles and a home run.

Kremer has increased his cutter usage from 23.9 percent last season to 28.7. Opponents are slugging .262 against the pitch this season, compared to .416 last season, according to STATS.

Vespi was optioned for a fourth time. The Orioles can do it one more time before reaching the maximum and having to pass him through waivers.

Ryan O’Hearn extended his on-base streak to 14 games last night and could start at first base again tonight if Ryan Mountcastle is on the bench for a fourth consecutive game due to illness. Mountcastle worked out on the field yesterday.

Closer Craig Kimbrel’s 437 saves are tied with Francisco Rodríguez for fourth on the all-time list. Lee Smith, also a former Oriole, is third with 478.

Seattle right-hander Logan Gilbert has a 2.72 ERA and 0.881 WHIP, the lowest in the majors, in 17 starts. He registered five quality starts last month and allowed six earned runs in 35 2/3 innings, with only one walk and 33 strikeouts.

Gilbert has tossed eight scoreless innings in three starts, including back-to-back outings last month. He faced the Orioles on June 23, 2023 in Baltimore and held them to one run and two hits in seven innings.

Anthony Santander homered in the seventh.