Orioles Recall Kremer, Demote Povich in Pitching Shuffle

Dean Kremer makes his 2026 season debut against the Diamondbacks after a stint in the minors.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:05pm

A cubist, fragmented painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, orange, and white representing the various stages of the windup and delivery.The Orioles' pitching rotation undergoes a geometric deconstruction as Dean Kremer returns from the minors to make his 2026 debut.Norfolk Today

The Baltimore Orioles have recalled right-handed pitcher Dean Kremer from Triple-A Norfolk to make his 2026 season debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks, while sending down Cade Povich after his impressive outing on his birthday. Kremer had been left out of the Orioles' initial rotation to start the season, despite not pitching in the minors since 2021 aside from rehab assignments. The Orioles had opted to give starts to Brandon Young and Povich before summoning Kremer to fill in for the injured Zach Eflin.

Why it matters

Kremer's return to the Orioles' rotation is a significant move, as he has been a key part of their starting staff in recent seasons. The decision to demote Povich after his strong performance highlights the competitive nature of the Orioles' pitching depth and the difficult roster decisions the team faces.

The details

Kremer made two starts for Triple-A Norfolk, improving from a three-run outing in his first start to a scoreless effort in his second. He will now face the Diamondbacks, a team he has struggled against in the past, giving up 12 runs combined in two previous starts. Arizona will counter with right-hander Ryne Nelson, making his second career start against the Orioles. In other roster news, the Orioles placed first baseman Ryan Mountcastle on the 60-day injured list with a left foot fracture, calling up utility player Weston Wilson from Norfolk to take his place.

  • Kremer was sent down to Triple-A Norfolk to start the 2026 season.
  • Kremer made two starts for Norfolk, the first giving up three runs and the second being scoreless.
  • Kremer is being recalled from Norfolk to make his 2026 season debut for the Orioles on Monday night against the Diamondbacks.

The players

Dean Kremer

A right-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who is being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to make his 2026 season debut.

Cade Povich

A pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who was sent down to Triple-A Norfolk after making a strong start on his birthday.

Zach Eflin

A pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who is currently injured, opening up a spot in the rotation for Kremer.

Ryan Mountcastle

A first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles who was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left foot fracture.

Weston Wilson

A utility player for the Baltimore Orioles who was called up from Triple-A Norfolk to replace Mountcastle on the roster.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a dog-eat-dog world out there.”

— Paul Folkemer, Author

What’s next

If Kremer can deliver a strong outing against the Diamondbacks, it will help solidify his spot in the Orioles' rotation and provide a boost to the team's pitching depth as they push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Orioles' decision to recall Kremer and demote Povich highlights the competitive nature of their pitching staff and the difficult roster decisions the team faces as they navigate injuries and try to field the best possible rotation. Kremer's success or failure in his 2026 debut could have significant implications for the Orioles' season.