Former Orioles right-handed pitcher Steve Johnson, who played for Baltimore from 2012-2015 and in 2017, recently discussed the club’s evolving roster makeup, most notably the surprising demotion of Dean Kremer.
“It’s tough for someone that’s been with one team for as long as he has without getting sent down,” Johnson said on Glenn Clark Radio March 23.
Kremer’s demotion stands out because it’s rare for a proven major league starter to be optioned to the minors. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound right-hander has been a durable, steady arm in Baltimore’s rotation, posting a 4.26 ERA in 126 games (123 starts). He made 31 appearances (29 starts) in 2025 with a 4.19 ERA, numbers that typically secure a rotation spot.
This move wasn’t about performance as much as circumstance. The Orioles left Sarasota with six healthy, capable starters and only five rotation spots. Kremer, who still had minor league options remaining, became the odd man out — a reflection of roster flexibility rather than ability.
“I think it’s just an unfortunate thing that all the other guys in the rotation are either out of options … or they’re maybe a little higher status than he is,” Johnson explained, pointing to the business realities that often drive decisions late in spring training.
Instead of shifting Kremer to a major league bullpen role, Baltimore opted to send him to Triple-A Norfolk, where he can stay stretched out as a starter. Johnson believes that approach benefits both the player and the team.
“I think it’d be better for the Orioles definitely to have him stretched out,” he said. “Injuries happen. … There’s going to be plenty of time for him to come back up and get a start in.”
Johnson also emphasized the difficulty of moving back and forth between roles midseason.
“I think he would rather have his starter role than going back and forth in the bullpen,” he said. “That’s a hard thing to do, especially if you haven’t done it in a while.”
Keeping Kremer in a consistent routine, he added, gives him the best chance to stay sharp. Johnson expressed confidence in Kremer’s ability despite the temporary setback. In his view, Kremer remains a valuable depth piece and a logical first call-up when the Orioles need a starter.
“If you look at the stats, you pretty much know what you’re going to get through the course of the season, which is pretty awesome in terms of consistency,” Johnson said.
For more from Johnson, listen to the full interview here:
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