In a surprising twist for Orioles fans, the team has decided to start the season with Dean Kremer down in Triple-A Norfolk. It's not a knock on Kremer's skills, but rather a nod to Zach Eflin, who has impressed enough to earn a spot in the starting rotation alongside Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, and Chris Bassitt.
Rogers is set to take the mound on Opening Day, but manager Craig Albernaz is keeping the rest of the rotation order under wraps for now. Eflin, who bounced back remarkably from back surgery last August, showcased his readiness with a stellar performance against the Yankees, pitching 5 1/3 scoreless innings. Mike Elias, the Orioles' president of baseball operations, praised Eflin's spring showing, noting the impressive recovery and performance.
Kremer will need to stay in the minors until at least April 9th unless injuries change the team's plans. With early-season offdays and unpredictable weather, Elias is sticking to a five-man rotation for now, though he’s open to expanding it if conditions allow.
First-year manager Albernaz admitted that sending Kremer down was a tough call, especially after Kremer's strong showing for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. But Kremer took the news like a pro, understanding the decision and maintaining a positive attitude.
Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies brought another challenge when lefty reliever Keegan Akin suffered a groin strain while warming up. This injury might open the door for Grant Wolfram to make the team, with right-handers Yaramil Hiraldo, Jackson Kowar, and Albert Suárez also in the mix for bullpen spots.
In other roster news, third baseman Jordan Westburg is facing a longer recovery than expected from his elbow injury, with a return before May looking unlikely. Meanwhile, Coby Mayo is back at third base, showcasing his power-hitting potential, and Blaze Alexander is set to start at second base as Jackson Holliday recovers from wrist surgery.
The Orioles are also dealing with injuries in the outfield, with Dylan Beavers and Heston Kjerstad both facing setbacks. This could lead to some last-minute roster adjustments, possibly bringing in new players via free agency or waivers.
Despite these challenges, Elias is optimistic about the team's talent and potential. As the Orioles finalize their Opening Day roster, fans can expect some strategic moves to address these early-season hurdles.