Dean Kremer is healthy and back on the bump to begin a weekend series against the Rays.
The Orioles go into tonight’s series opener against the Rays with the understanding that the Yankees have already won today in Chicago. That means the O’s have to win in order to retain their solo spot atop the AL East. A loss dips them to second by half a game.
It’s nice to see Dean Kremer back on the bump. Less than a week ago he was smack with a line drive in Colorado, and there were doubts about his immediate availability. But not only did Kremer avoid an IL stay, he will make his very next start. The O’s could use the boost as they are just about at the bottom of their starting pitching depth.
There is a new name in the O’s starting lineup. Nick Maton will get his first big league start of the season, batting ninth and playing third base. Maton owns an .847 OPS at Triple-A in 2024 and brings with him major league experience in each of the previous three seasons. Ideally, Coby Mayo would be making third base his job, but that hasn’t happened yet. At this point, the club is likely just hoping Jordan Westburg can get back on the field by the end of the month and be ready for October. No other solution feels optimal.
Anything can happen in one game, though. Maybe tonight will go down as “The Maton Game.” That would be tasty.
Orioles lineup
- Gunnar Henderson, SS
- Adley Rutschman, C
- Ryan O’Hearn, 1B
- Anthony Santander, RF
- Colton Cowser, LF
- Eloy Jiménez, DH
- Cedric Mullins, CF
- Jackson Holliday, 2B
- Nick Maton, 3B
RHP Dean Kremer (6-9, 4.51 ERA)
Rays lineup
- Yandy Díaz, DH
- Jonathan Aranda, 1B
- Junior Caminero, 3B
- Dylan Carlson, LF
- Josh Lowe, RF
- Jonny DeLuca, CF
- José Caballero, 2B
- Ben Rortvedt, C
- Taylor Walls, SS
RHP Shane Baz (2-2, 3.49 ERA)