Pete Alonso and Dean Kremer may have some talking to do.
In the first inning of the Orioles’ 14-0 loss to the Tigers on Tuesday night, Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer threw to Alonso at first in an attempt to pick off Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle.
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Before Alonso could field the throw and apply the tag, McGonigle reacted quickly and easily dove back to the bag.
Since Alonso seemed to be caught off guard by the pickoff attempt, Kremer pointed two fingers towards his own eyes and seemingly asked Alonso, “Can you see?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Alonso replied.
Dean Kremer asks Pete Alonso if he can see. @JomboyMedia/X
While some fans thought it was a sun-related miscommunication, others interpreted Kremer’s expression negatively and as one of disappointment since he was hoping for an early out.
“We don’t have exactly the view that he has. But he clearly did not see that ball on a hand,” one of the broadcasters said.
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Kremer’s apparent frustration could have also been a factor in why Alonso was caught so off guard by his question.
In the comments of Jomboy Media’s X video showing the play, several fans thought the moment showed a lack of respect on Kremer’s part.
“Watch his body language in the dugout when he’s not pitching,” one fan commented about Kremer.
“Alonso should have then asked ‘can you pitch?’. Not good humiliating a team mate on live tv. Was he just annoyed because he was having a bad day on the mound. Or was he trying to act cool. Not a good look,” another wrote.
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It was a night to forget for Kremer, who allowed a season-high eight runs, along with two homers and three walks.
He lasted just four innings as the Tigers’ offense pounced on him early, prompting a move to the bullpen.
Alonso reacting as Kremer questioned him. @JomboyMedia/X
Kremer missed several months after suffering a quad injury in April.
He returned at the beginning of July but will end the month with a 7.56 ERA after Tuesday’s dud.
In his first year with the Orioles after seven with the Mets, Alonso is hitting .250 with 22 homers and 67 RBIs. He also has an .812 OPS.
