Orioles pregame notes on Kremer's rehab assignment, hyped series and Holliday's elbow inflammation

Dean Kremer is ready for his rehab assignment.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Kremer will pitch Sunday afternoon for Triple-A Norfolk, which hosts the Memphis Redbirds.

Kremer threw another bullpen session yesterday and has recovered from the strained right triceps that forced him onto the injured list retroactive to May 21.

The length of the rehab isn’t known but Hyde said he’s hoping Kremer can go “four-ish innings.”

“We’ll see how it goes from there. Hopefully it goes well,” Hyde said.

Kremer can rejoin a rotation that’s holding six starters with Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, Cole Irvin, Albert Suárez and rookie Cade Povich. The Orioles will figure out how to make room, which could entail optioning Povich or moving Suárez to the bullpen.

There’s also the possibility of another injury cropping up. That’s happened on a few occasions with this pitching staff.

Speaking of which, John Means returned to the clubhouse today with a brace on his left arm following his second Tommy John surgery.

Hyde didn’t have an update on Danny Coulombe, who’s on the injured list with left elbow inflammation.

“We’re still getting all kinds of information, tests done, and then we’ll let you guys know whenever we have an update on him,” Hyde said.

The same applies to Tyler Wells and his pending elbow surgery.

“We’ll let you know when we have any update on all those guys,” Hyde said.

The Orioles play three games against the Phillies, who hold the best record in the National League, and travel to New York next week for three games against the team with the best record in baseball. The media are infatuated with this portion of the schedule.

Hyde and his players aren’t caught up in the hype. They don’t view this stretch as a measuring stick.

“Honestly, no. It’s another series,” Hyde said.

“This is a great team and they’ve played so well this year. They’re really balanced offensively – speed, power left and right. They have a great rotation and a bullpen that throws 100 (mph), almost every single guy. So it’s just another series in the big leagues. It’s a tough test and hopefully we can play well.”

Maybe the Orioles, with 101 wins last season and the third-best record in the majors this year, are becoming the measuring stick for opponents.

“I don’t think that teams think of it like that, or players or coaches think of any sort of measuring stick,” Hyde said. “I think that this is three games of 162 against a really, really good club and 90-plus games to go. So much can happen. Your roster can change and so many things can happen in the next four months. But it’s definitely a huge test. We’re going to face three good starters and a really good back end of the bullpen, and we’re going to have to pitch well against a tough lineup.”

The Orioles announced that Jackson Holliday is going on Norfolk’s injured list with right elbow inflammation.

This isn’t viewed as serious, and it also provides some rest for Holliday, the organization’s No. 1 prospect, who’s played in 50 games with the Tides and batted .270/.433/.466 with 16 doubles, seven home runs, 28 RBIs, 54 walks and 54 strikeouts in 245 plate appearances.

For the Phillies

Kyle Schwarber DH
Nick Castellanos RF
Bryce Harper 1B
Alec Bohm 3B
Bryson Stott 2B
Edmundo Sosa SS
David Dahl LF
Cristian Pache CF
Rafael Marchán C

Ranger Suárez LHP