Orioles Bring Back Albert Suárez, Shuffle Pitching Staff Amid Kremer Injury

The Baltimore Orioles added a familiar arm back into the clubhouse Friday when the club announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Albert Suárez to a one-year major league contract. The organization also optioned right-hander Cameron Weston to Triple-A Norfolk and transferred starter Dean Kremer to the 60-day injured list with a right quad strain.

The moves continue a busy stretch for Baltimore’s pitching staff as the club searches for stability in the rotation and bullpen during the middle portion of the 2026 season.

Suárez returns to the Orioles after carving out one of the more surprising comeback stories in recent franchise history. The veteran right-hander spent years away from Major League Baseball before re-emerging as a valuable piece of Baltimore’s staff. Versatility defined Suárez’s role throughout his recent Orioles tenure. Managers used him as a starter, long reliever, emergency innings eater, and bridge option during stretches when injuries hammered the pitching staff.

That flexibility helped Suárez earn respect inside the clubhouse and throughout the organization.

Baltimore needed innings again after Kremer’s injury created another hole in the rotation picture. The 60-day injured list designation means Kremer cannot return until late summer at the earliest, and the move signals that the Orioles expect a lengthy recovery process for the right-hander.

Kremer battled through stretches of inconsistency this season, but the veteran starter still carried importance inside Baltimore’s rotation because of his durability and experience. Before the injury, Kremer continued to work through high-pressure starts against division rivals while trying to stabilize the middle of the staff.

A right quad strain can create major problems for pitchers because the lower body drives velocity and command. Pitchers rely heavily on leg strength to generate power off the mound, and even minor discomfort can disrupt mechanics. Baltimore now must navigate an extended stretch without one of its experienced starters.

The signing of Suárez immediately gives the Orioles another option capable of filling multiple roles.

Suárez does not overpower hitters with elite velocity, but strong pitch sequencing and composure often allow him to navigate dangerous lineups. Ground balls, soft contact, and efficient innings became trademarks during his recent MLB comeback. Baltimore trusted him in difficult situations because of his willingness to attack the strike zone and absorb innings regardless of role.

That value becomes even more important during the grind of a long season.

The Orioles also optioned Cameron Weston to Triple-A Norfolk as part of the roster shuffle. Weston flashed intriguing stuff during his time with the organization, but Baltimore likely wants the young right-hander to continue refining command and consistency at the minor league level.

Norfolk remains a critical piece of Baltimore’s pitching pipeline. The Orioles have rotated multiple arms between the majors and Triple-A throughout the season as injuries and workload concerns continue to impact the staff.

Weston now returns to an environment where regular innings could help accelerate development.

Baltimore’s front office has spent much of the season searching for reliable pitching depth. Injuries, inconsistent outings, and heavy bullpen usage forced the organization to remain aggressive with roster management. Bringing back a proven veteran like Suárez fits that strategy.

The move also gives the Orioles a pitcher already familiar with the coaching staff, catchers, scouting systems, and clubhouse culture. That familiarity could help Suárez contribute immediately without requiring a lengthy adjustment period.

Questions still remain for Baltimore’s rotation moving forward.

With Kremer sidelined long term, the Orioles must determine how they want to distribute innings behind the front-end starters. Suárez could work as a spot starter, bulk reliever, or hybrid arm depending on matchups and workload. Baltimore also could continue using younger pitchers from Norfolk to patch together innings throughout the summer.

The Orioles believe they still have enough offensive firepower to remain competitive, but the pitching staff must survive the injury wave. Friday’s transactions represented another attempt to stabilize the roster before the season reaches its most demanding stretch.

For Suárez, the signing creates another opportunity to continue one of baseball’s most unlikely career revivals.

Baltimore now hopes the veteran right-hander can once again provide the dependable innings and steady presence that made him such a valuable part of the club’s pitching plans.