Orioles lose 2nd starter this week as Dean Kremer hits IL

Field Level Media|published: 05/24/2024, 9:42pm EDT

May 5, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Dean Kremer (64) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Orioles right-handed starter Dean Kremer was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right triceps strain Friday, one day after lefty starter John Means went on the IL with a left forearm strain.

The Orioles also optioned right Jonathan Heasley to Triple-A Norfolk, while right-hander Dillon Tate and left-hander Nick Vespi were recalled.

Kremer, 28, opened the season 3-4 with a 4.32 ERA in nine starts. In five seasons with the Orioles, he is 25-24 with a 4.35 ERA in 80 appearances (79 starts).

Heasley, 27, struggled in four outings for Baltimore, posting a 16.88 ERA.

Tate, 30, was 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA in 11 relief outings for the Orioles earlier this season, while Vespi, 28, had a scoreless outing Wednesday in his lone appearance for Baltimore this season before he was optioned. He was eligible to return in two days because of an injury.

Means, 31, exited Wednesday's start against the St. Louis Cardinals due to discomfort after three scoreless innings. He was 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA through four starts.

Means made eight starts since undergoing Tommy John surgery during the 2022 season.

--Field Level Media