A war in Gaza involving Israel and Hamas is something that Baltimore Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer cannot shake off as his family members are still in the area.
While worrying for his family, he also has to be in his top form for the Os after being selected to start for his team in the American League Division Series with Texas Rangers.
This will be his career playoff start, and the Orioles have their backs against the wall as they are already 0-2 down in a best-of-five affair.
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That means double the worry for the 27-year-old pitcher.
"I still want to pitch, but, I mean, it's going to be in the back of my head," Kremer said.
Kremer, who has dual citizenship, said his extended family is in Israel, although they are in a safe area now.
Kremer getting support from team
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde made an interesting decision to start Kremer as they play a do-or-die.
He knows Kremer's head is heavy right now but said the team has the player's back. He also does not think the Israel situation will affect his play.
"Gave him my support and sympathies for him and his family that's involved, and he seemed OK," Hyde said. "Obviously, he's very disturbed and there's a lot of things going on. But I didn't sense that it was going to affect ... I think he's really looking forward to pitching tomorrow so I didn't think it was going to affect him."
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