Orioles shortstop Freddy Galvis made a diving stop just behind second base, flipped the ball to Rio Ruiz, who executed a bare-handed snag before completing a dazzling double play with a pinpoint throw to first base.
It was the defensive highlight of a stout defense that backed a solid start from Dean Kremer, who struck out six and allowed just one run in 4 2/3 innings. The Orioles’ offense showed up late but finished strong, scoring six runs in the last three innings and banging out 13 hits in a 6-1 victory over the Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
It was the second straight win in Texas for the Orioles, who are 7-8.
Galvis also led the offense with a 4-for-4 night, but it was an eighth-inning double by designated hitter Trey Mancini that put the Orioles in front, 2-1, after centerfielder Cedric Mullins had scored Galvis from second with a single in the seventh to tie the game at 1.
“He’s been grinding,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said about Mancini. “That was huge for us and huge for him.”
Ryan Mountcastle, who played his first game of the season at first base, followed Mancini’s double with a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1 in the eighth. DJ Stewart extended the lead to 4-1 with a two-out, opposite-field single in the ninth, and Maikel Franco followed with a two-run home run.
Kremer did a solid job of keeping the Orioles in the game and the Rangers off-balance before leaving in the fifth inning to a series of fist bumps from his teammates.
“With Dean, it’s just getting experience up here,” Hyde said. “He’s going to go deeper into games as this continues and he gets older. He’s going to understand how to get guys out earlier in the count.”
Kremer threw 79 pitches, 50 for strikes. The Orioles are trying to limit Kremer’s innings and optioned the 25-year-old right-hander to the alternate training site at Bowie after the game.
Kremer must remain in the minors for at least 10 days unless he is called up for a player going on the injured list. The Orioles are off Monday and Thursday and won’t need a fifth starter until the home series with the New York Yankees starting April 26th.
Kremer relied more on his curveball against the Rangers.
“It was my bread-and-butter in the minors,” Kremer said about the curveball. “I’m glad to see it’s coming back.”
The Orioles’ bullpen entered the game with the sixth-best ERA in the American League at 3.96 and improved on that number. Wade LeBlanc threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Travis Lakins threw his third scoreless inning since being promoted from the alternate site in Bowie. Tanner Scott worked out of a self-induced jam in the eighth, and Shawn Armstrong closed out the Rangers in the ninth.
Oriole relievers have not allowed a run in the last 11 2/3 innings.
Kremer was quick to credit Galvis for his stunning defensive play to turn the double play in the fourth.
“That’s a game-saver there, to turn two,” Kremer said about Galvis’ diving stop and flip to Ruiz. “That would have been a real dagger. [Galvis] had a phenomenal night.”
Galvis has had a phenomenal series, going 6-for-7. Mancini’s run-scoring double and a single to right also were encouraging.
“The whole offense picked me up and the bullpen pitched really well,” Kremer said. “It was a great team win overall. It was great to see Trey have success. It means the world.”
Franco finished with three of the Orioles’ 13 hits, punctuated by his home run.
“It’s so beautiful when you play together, and play as a team,” Franco said. “It’s a great win for us.”
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I don’t care what the reason is after Kremers best start optioning him was a dumbass move same things was done to Gausman many years ago and ruined his confidence. Elias just doesn’t want to win and Hyde’s a puppet
As I’ve said before on how they treat their youngens, they’ll remember this....go O’s...
So is getting a younger player extra work in is bad now? Taxi squad bad but no game simulated action for ~10 days okay for Kremer?
I was surprised to see that as well a Bhoff! The Orioles sure know how to reward a person for a job well done. Why not just have him throw on the side and keep him with the club.
The Ranger announcers have already given Galvis the series MVP award after 2 games, and I love the way Stewart digs in at the plate and doesn’t get cheated on his swing. When Hays is ready I wouldn’t be surprised to see Santander benched so we would have Hays, Stewart and Mullins in the OF.
I’ll be at the game again today to see if Means can turn me into a believer. I wonder if I should bring a broom?
Why not have Kremer throw in scrimmages at the alternate site?
Have fun TxBirdFan, unfortunately I’m starting to wonder about Santander, he seems like he’s riding last yrs “OK” season, he has been something of a week spot for them right now, at least offensively...at least the numbers show that...lol...go O’s...
Hmmm, Gausman was NRI to Spring Training in 2013 his first year in MLB. Called up late May, sent down and recalled in June, sent down in July, recalled In August. ERA for 2013 was 5.66. Career ERA is 4.24, but ERA over 2014-2016 were 3.57, 4.25, 3.61. Don’t really see Gausman’s confidence being ruined.
Also, since Kremer won’t likely be used/needed for ~10 days at the MLB level, it is possible he will actually get more useful work in at the alternate site.
“I don’t care what the reason is”? Woof!
Yes why not just keep him on the side and Hyde’s ridiculous explanation of limiting his pitch count why can’t he ever just come out and say I don’t agree with this move. Is he so afraid of speaking his mind and getting fired. As for Santander I wouldn’t mind a trade for a top prospect with Diaz in the wings and if Hays can ever stay healthy along with DJ there are enough outfielders. My idea of DHing Mancini worked. Why play him in the field until he has totally regained all his strength which could even take a full season
I don’t give a hoot about all your stats Middle I remember Gausman pitching a great game and being sent down immediately afterwards . As for Kremer these are kids and after his best start you don’t option him. This stuff can affect a kids head
Hmmm gausman’s era numbers for 2014, 2015, 2016 show that some younger pitchers are of such strong mental fortitude that being sent down after pitching a good game doesn’t bother them!
Gausmans not here anymore is he, he remembers...lol...go O’s...
6/13/2013 Gausman pitched 5.1 innings against the Red Sox in a no-decision. The Orioles won 5-4. Gausman let up 6 hits, 2 HRs, and struck out 5. He was optioned to Norfolk the next day. When he was optioned to Norfolk on 6/14, his MLB ERA was 7.66, he finished the season with MLB ERA at 5.66. Looking up information about memories isn't too hard...
Shaking my head with the optioning of Kremer. He must stay down there for at least 15 days. yes we have some off days and don't need a fifth starter until next week. But he must stay down there until May 1st. if they are worried about innings just keep him on a short inning count on whatever starts he makes.
Rich please follow-up on this. it really is perplexing.
John, he can be back in 10 days.
The optioning of Kremer,though unpopular,is the way things are done today in MLB. Rays sent #1 prospect Honeywell down after 3 shutout innings the other night. If you have options, you're developing,and not a regular in the lineup you get moved. Team flexibility is more important than hurting peoples' feelings. Hey where's BOOG?
A pox on you sir! Hoooow dare you spew such sacrilege!
I too am aghast shocked and bewildered by the optioning of Kremer. His 6.75 ERA, 1.875 WHIP, 1.7 HRs allowed per 9 innings, 5.1 BB9 all demand he remain on the MLB roster. More opportunities for meaningful work at the alternate site be damned. His last outing of 4.2 innings is the only thing that counts! I despise Elias and his puppet Hyde with every ounce of my being for their ruinous treatment of Kremer and every other move they make!!!
Did I do that right?
While everyone is sending Hyde and Elias to the pillory, a simple question: who will replace Kremer in the rotation?
I think the next day Kremer would have started for the Orioles would have been 4/28. I am going to go out on a limb a predict Plutko gets the start that day. If the Orioles skip Lopez on 4/23, than Kremer's spot would come up on 4/27.
4/18: Means (Tex)
4/19: Off
4/20: Harvey (Mia)
4/21: Zimmermann
4/22: Off
4/23: Lopez (Oak)
4/24: Means
4/25: Harvey
4/26: Zimmermann (NYY)
4/27: Lopez
4/28: ???
4/29: Means
They have 2 days off this week, so they can skip his next 2 starts. Looking at the schedule, the next time they need a 5th starter will be April 27. Kremer can be recalled May 1. So they can do a bullpen game April 27.
John, he can be recalled in 10 days.
Rich, pretty sure this article first stated he would be in the minors 15 days and was edited to 10 days...that’s what I read first 15 days. If I have that wrong, I will admit my mistake, but if it was changed from 15 to 10 days, it would’ve been decent to add a little note at the end of the article mentioning the change...
You are correct. It’s supposed to be 15 days for pitchers, but COVID rules make it 10 days in 2021
Ouch, do you usually insult your host like that PJ, play nice...go O’s...
Is it an insult to say “hey my take is that the article was changed substantially without a note about the change”? Man CP you are sensitive...if a journalist changes an article, especially after comments made based on 15 day requirement, it is actually SOP to note the change
I was actually off last night, and not involved in the editorial process. I did answer a couple of questions that were directed to me.
LOL, you’re hysterical, who cares, Rich has corrected, deleted & changed more than just that article, I’m sure he doesn’t mind being corrected, as a few of us have done, but we’ve never insulted him, he owes you nothing...go O’s...
CP magic mind reader! Kremer is very upset at going 4 2/3 instead of 5 innings. Rich and/or Todd are insulted by my comment. I am hysterical, yup!
From 4/17 BB article “ Sulser wouldn’t be eligible to return because he was optioned on April 5th. A pitcher must stay down after an option for 15 days, except if he’s replacing an injured player.” Huh! If that’s insulting to anyone, so be it. Maybe clearing up the 10/15 day requirement for optioned pitchers would be a good idea...
You’re hopping between deflections...you’re always right, done wasting anytime on you, unless I’m real bored...LMAO...go Rich & O’s...
Yup a quote from yesterday’s article about the 10 or 15 day requirement for optioned pitchers is hopping between deflections, you got me there CP
Between that AND 42/3 or 5 innings, the innings had nothing to do with your insult aimed at Rich...go O’s...
Yup CP Rich seems really insulted, he’s banned me from commenting now. Sorry to hear that you have trouble following along for comments on two different subjects - I will put titles on my comments in all caps from now on just for you and make sure I only comment on one subject per article/post. Really sorry to be hopping and deflecting so much, will do better
I get optioning Kremer. What I don’t get is why Hyde took out Kremer on the fifth to bring in LeBlanc to face Brock Holt. Kremer looked a little ticked off by it.
He’ll remember...go O’s...
Might have been that three left hand hitters in a row were coming up for the Rangers, Kremer is a righty, LeBlanc is a lefty. Also Kremer had given up 4 hits to the last 8 batters he faced at that point...take him out after the positive of two strikeouts in a row?
One more batter & he would’ve qualified for the win...he’ll remember...go O’s...
The Orioles were trailing 1-0 at the time...
Kremer was working on 3 days rest and had already thrown 79 pitches. I thought he would have been pulled earlier. Also he doesn’t do well the 3rd time though the lineup. If you have 9 pitchers in the bullpen, going to use them
I really don’t think Kremer is as butt hurt as some people suggest. Getting yanked, come on, get over it. Respect the managerial decision. Dugout shots showed him smiling and hugging his teammates after he walked off the field.
Getting optioned may be a different story, but hopefully he’s mature enough to not sulk and use it to continue to work on his development. Small bump in his road to refining his craft.
If this is all it takes to derail him, how is he going to respond to “high leverage” situations? Millennial snowflake meltdown with a damaged psyche? Toughen up.
Correct, but they would’ve benefited way more w/Kremer getting through 5 than 42/3...go O’s..
How do you figure the Orioles would've benefited way more w/ Kremer getting through 5 as opposed to 4 2/3? You can't assured Kremer would have retired the next batter(s) he faced. He had given up 4 hits to the last 8 batters he faced. Also, the Orioles didn't go ahead until the 8th inning, meaning Kremer would have had to pitch 7 innings to get the victory. He had thrown 79 pitches in 4 2/3, meaning he would have probably thrown 110-120 pitches to get through 7.
Not gonna argue that statement Icterus Fan, given all trophies, not very mentally tough today...go O’s...
Don’t care about the win, one more batter would’ve made Kremer feel better, let him get the last out, he was already on the hook for the loss, ESPECIALLY this yr, what difference would it have made other showing all the youngens I’ll stick with you...go O’s...
But what if Kremer gave up a two run homer? Wouldn’t he have felt worse? Do you really believe Kremer is upset about going 4 2/3 instead of 5? You don’t thinker is pretty darn happy with his outing? Feels like you are projecting a bit onto Kremer IMO
But what if Kremer struck out the next batter, I really think Kremer would’ve liked to finish 5, I’ve coached for a long time & think athletes, even though not as mentally tough as yrs ago, like to finish what they start, have no idea what you mean by projecting....go O’s...
Projecting is taking your feelings and assuming others feel the same way. I don’t think Kremer is really bent about only going 4 2/3 but I am certain you are upset about it. Players are a lot more resilient than you and BHoff imply IMO ( based on coaching experience too)
Where might that "Coaching experience" been attained ?
Honest question
Resilience & mentality tough are different things, just saying...go O’s...
Definition of resilience from Psychology Today: Resilience is the psychological quality that allows some people to be knocked down by the adversities of life and come back at least as strong as before.
I am sure you are an expert on all things related to “mentality” though
Mentally tough means "resilience" will be relied upon less.
Again, being resilient doesn’t mean you’re mentally tough, you’re resilient, but just mental...go O’s...
I’m not sure why all the fuss about Kremer. Because of the schedule he’s not going to pitch for 10 days. The O’s aren’t going to throw him into the bullpen because they want to limit his innings. Why keep him on the major league team when you could bring up another reliever (which the team will likely need) or keep McKenna on the bench when Hays returns. By sending Kremer to the alternate site he is kept on his regular schedule. I would not be surprised if he already knew that was going to happen before he took the mound last night.
Rio Ruiz and his 143 average DHing today . Yes Mancini needs rest but DHing him two days in a row is ok especially after two hits last night
Agree, honestly get giving him a day off by letting him DH, why not build on the two hits & keep the momentum going...go O’s...
I don't see all the attitude regarding Kremer. First off, he wasn't sent down to the minors, he was sent to the alternate site in Bowie. The minor leagues aren't even playing games right now. Second, he'll be back in 10 days to pitch his next start with the Orioles. With 2 days off this week, he won't miss his next start. And third, if he was upset about being taken out, he didn't show it when he pitched on short day and threw 79 pitches after his last poor outing. Fourth, if he's only thinking about himself about being sent out and not thinking about what's best for the team, because he won't be pitching for 10 days anyway and just riding the bench, then he needs an attitude adjustment about how to play on a TEAM sport. Finally, the Orioles are very high on him and are just looking out for him. He pitched on 3 days notice and 79 pitches so he could use the 10 days to rest and stay sharp. The alternate site will probably have him pitch in a sim game at day 5 so he'll be ready when the Orioles need their 5th starter again. And he could stay sharp and work on putting away hitters earlier and eliminating the high pitch count!
Geez, even with 2 straight good wins we are whining about this or that
I hear ya, but I’m not whining. I’m excited and see potential for the future. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride, but there’s optimism.
I know its early in the season, but not bad so far at 7-8, for a team that many on this site were predicting at 100 - 120 loses.
Optioning Kremer is not a demotion, this way he can pitch in simulated games and stay on schedule...it’s also a way to slowly increase his throwing...sure beats sitting for 10 days.
Come on Orioles, work the counts and get to the Rangers bullpen! Sweep ‘em
Or make him only throw 6 pitches in the 2nd inning
I hear ya. Most of our lineup doesn’t seem to be very selective. Not many patient, take-a-pitch type hitters. Seems to be few long at bats, fouling off pitches, etc.
Looks like an old school pitchers duel. I like the Orioles chance if it becomes a battle of the bullpens!
Chance Sisco is a head case. He has a beautiful swing but hardly makes contact anymore. At this point until they bring Adley up which should have been yesterday anyone would be better
Do you ever have anything positive to say?
Ohh...I don't know...maybe when the O's win with spectacular pitching & defense, all the while, cracking the sky with their thunderous bats. Throw in no mental mistakes that violate fundamental baseball and you've probably got a recipe for "something good to say".
That has not, and does not happen with regularity around these parts in case you haven't noticed
Agree w/you Bhoffman, very entitled to your opinion...go O’s... you
My guess is that before Kremer ever even stepped on the mound to throw his first pitch yesterday that he was already aware he was headed to the alternate site after the game. Hyde seems to be to be protective of his players and I honestly believe he’d probably have had that conversation with Kremer just in case he didn’t pitch well and then he really would feel as if he’s being “demoted”. I think we should give Hyde more credit than that. I could be wrong but I’d be very surprised, and disappointed, if I am.
Make sense dl, I’m ok giving him the benefit of the doubt...go O’s...
How cheap is MASN. ? Still using Gary Thorne’s voice in a commercial!!!
That’s funny you say that. I just texted my cousin, we both loved Gary Thorne, I told him that’s really rubbing salt in the wound.
Wonder if he knows it ? Seems he should get paid
Go Shamus!!!
Not only that, but the commercial starts with Dylan Bundy. Maybe someone should tell them the Orioles traded him
:)...go O’s...