The Baltimore Orioles made a roster move after an injury update.
The Baltimore Orioles made a roster move ahead of their matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday following a new injury within the pitching staff.
Pitching depth has quickly become a concern for Baltimore early in the season, and the latest move reflects the club’s need to shuffle arms as injuries begin to take their toll.
The Orioles announced on X before Sunday’s game against the Pirates that they have recalled left-hander Cade Povich from Triple-A Norfolk. In a corresponding move, right-hander Yaramil Hiraldo was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 2, with right shoulder inflammation.
Povich had already been with the team on the taxi squad, so his promotion to the active 26-man roster does not come as a surprise. However, the circumstances surrounding the move highlight a growing need for stability within Baltimore’s pitching staff.
Hiraldo, who heads to the injured list, struggled in his limited action this season. The 30-year-old right-hander allowed four earned runs in just 1 2/3 innings of work, raising questions about whether the right shoulder issue may have contributed to his early difficulties.
The more significant development, though, is Povich’s return and the opportunity now in front of him. With Zach Eflin already on the 15-day injured list, there is a clear opening in the rotation. Povich could be in line to make starts as the Orioles look to fill innings with capable arms.
Once considered one of Baltimore’s top prospects, Povich has yet to find consistent success at the major-league level. Across 38 career appearances from 2024-25, he owns a 5.20 ERA and a 6-17 record.
The 25-year-old was optioned back down to the minors after spring training to refine his mechanics, but even there, results have been underwhelming. In his lone minor-league outing this season, Povich allowed five runs over five innings while taking the loss.
That makes this latest opportunity especially important. While Baltimore still sees potential in the former third-round pick from the 2021 MLB Draft, continued struggles could force the organization to reevaluate his long-term role, whether that means a transition to the bullpen or even exploring trade options down the line.
Despite the inconsistency, Povich still has time on his side. He remains under team control through the 2031 season, giving the Orioles flexibility as they assess his development.
For now, the focus is immediate. With injuries piling up and innings to cover, Baltimore will be counting on Povich to step in and deliver, making this a critical stretch for both the pitcher and the team.