Dean Kremer, acquired in the Manny Machado trade that marked the beginning of five-year slog to get back here, throws 5 1/3 shutout innings as the Orioles beat the Red Sox 2-0 to win their first division title since 2014.
Orioles pitcher Felix Bautista threw a session off the mound against one hitter on Tuesday afternoon, making another step closer toward a potential return.
The divisional title and home-field advantage until the World Series, for one thing. But Baltimore also needs to keep arms fresh and find consistency on offense.
For the second game in a row, the Orioles got at least seven innings from their starter, saving a fatigued bullpen from having to cobble together coverage.
During a game in 2019, Orioles outfielders Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander gathered during yet another pitching change and wondered whether they'd ever make the playoffs. On Sunday, they celebrated together.
Two vets of the rebuild â Austin Hays and Cedric Mullins â had key hits, while Adley Rutschman â the face of the resurgence â homered and later scored the winning run.
The second overall pick in the 2020 draft had his early career derailed by injuries, but Kjerstad hit .298 with 10 home runs and an .886 OPS in 76 games with Norfolk.