Dean Kremer struggled to begin the 2024 season, but has had a strong turnaround in August for the Baltimore Orioles. Hopefully, he can continue that down the stretch.
Acquired via the infamous Manny Machado trade, Kremer has been with the Orioles organization since 2018, and in MLB since 2020. Despite a rough first two seasons, Kremer emerged as a valuable starter in the 2022 season, which carried over into 2023. Kremer started 32 games in 2023, with a record of 13-5. Despite his 2023 success, Kremer struggled mightily to begin 2024 before an IL stint kept him out all of June. Although his first few starts back were a tad shaky, the righty has rebounded with three straight quality starts. Plagued with injuries, the Orioles rotation needs someone to step up, and that person has been Dean Kremer.
Dean Kremer’s Turnaround
Heading into his start on August 14 against the Nationals, Kremer was 4-9 with a 4.70 ERA. However, he had a strong outing that night, picking up the win after pitching six innings, allowing only one earned run. His next two starts were also six innings in length, giving up one and three runs, respectively.
Dean Kremer’s final line vs. Astros:
6 innings
7 hits
3 runs
2 walks
5 strikeoutsA third straight quality start from Kremer.
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) August 26, 2024
These prolonged appearances by Kremer could not have come at a better time for the Orioles, as the bullpen has been getting overworked due to poor starts. Also, it is a positive sign that heading into September, the Orioles will be able to trust Kremer to have quality performances, especially since the Orioles rotation has been a big question mark all season.
A Look At Dean Kremer’s Pitch Arsenal
The biggest difference in Kremer’s successful 2023 vs. poor 2024 has been his cutter. In 2023, batters had just a .222 batting average against his cutter, including 46 strikeouts. However, in 2024, batters have a .260 batting average against Kremer’s cutter. Considering it’s his second most thrown pitch, Kremer either needs to change something about it, or throw his other pitches more. One pitch Kremer could throw more is his split-finger. A new pitch for Kremer this season, batters are hitting just .135 against it, with 23 strikeouts. Clearly, this new split-finger is nasty, and Kremer should focus on throwing it more often.
What Kremer Brings Down The Stretch
As the calendar hits September, the race for the American League will intensify between the Orioles and New York Yankees. The Yankees have multiple starters they can rely on, unlike the Orioles. In the second half, the Orioles’ only consistent and healthy starter has been Albert Suárez. Mixing Kremer into that group, while getting Zach Eflin back from the IL would be a huge boost to a struggling Orioles rotation. Kremer can bring consistent starts that are six innings or more, giving most of the bullpen a break at least every five days. Last season, Kremer pitched a gem in the game where the Orioles clinched a playoff spot. He could be set up to do the same thing this season. If he is called on, he certainly will answer, and step up.
Kremer’s positive last few starts are definitely a sign in the right direction. Hopefully, he can keep it going through September and into the playoffs, because the Orioles will need him to pitch well.
Photo Credit: © Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
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