Baltimore Orioles right-hander Dean Kremer shared an honest perspective after returning from the injured list on Wednesday. The 30-year-old admitted the toughest part of rehab was feeling like he wasn't helping his team.
Kremer missed more than two months with a right quad strain before making his return against the Chicago White Sox. His comments offered a rare look at the mental side of recovering from an injury.
Instead of focusing on his outing, Kremer reflected on how difficult it was to watch from the sidelines. The admission gave fans a better understanding of what he experienced away from the field.
Baltimore Banner reporter Jacob Calvin Meyer shared Kremer's remarks after the game.
Kremer said he felt like a "waste of space" because he wasn't bringing value on the field. He added that watching from a distance without contributing was one of rehab's hardest challenges as he worked toward returning.
The right-hander explained that being around the club without helping on the field was mentally difficult. Returning to the rotation gave him the opportunity to contribute again after a lengthy absence.
The 30-year-old returned Wednesday after landing on the injured list in April. He allowed one run over six innings as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Chicago White Sox 6-1.
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Kremer has made three starts this season with a 3.18 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and a .194 batting average against. The Baltimore Orioles have relied on his ability to provide quality innings whenever he has been healthy.
The Baltimore Orioles entered Wednesday with a 40-48 record and sat fourth in the American League East. His return provides another dependable arm as the club looks for more stability during the second half after battling injuries throughout the season.
