In recent years, the Baltimore Orioles have had their struggles on the mound. From 2017-2021, the Orioles recorded ERA’s of 4.97, 5.18, 5.59, 4.51 and 5.84. All five years resulted in losing seasons.
The 2022 season has been a promising one for Baltimore, as the Orioles look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The club has posted a 3.85 ERA entering play Aug. 31.
In order to make the playoffs, the pitching will have to remain consistent. This is where having a reliable closer comes in handy. Baltimore had that in All-Star closer Jorge López, who had 19 saves for the Orioles this year.
While the Orioles loved López, they knew they needed more pitching depth long term. At the trade deadline, the Orioles sent their star closer and cash considerations to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for four pitchers, including lefty Cade Povich, now with Double-A Bowie.
Povich, 22, was thrilled for the chance to start a new chapter in his life.
“To be in a new uniform in a new place with new teammates, it was kind of like a reset mentally for me,” Povich said on Glenn Clark Radio Aug. 11. “Just go out and get back to being myself and have the freedom to be myself and do what I want.”
Povich made his first appearance for the organization with High-A Aberdeen Aug. 6, striking out eight batters in six innings of shutout ball. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound left-hander threw another six scoreless innings for the IronBirds Aug. 16 before being promoted to Bowie. Povich has made two starts for the Baysox, allowing seven runs on seven hits and four walks in 10 innings. He has struck out 13 hitters.
The strong start surely doesn’t come as a surprise to Orioles GM Mike Elias, who told the local media he believes Povich could be a front-of-the-rotation starter. Povich was grateful for the kind words.
“When I got the call that I got traded, he gave me a call and welcomed me, too,” Povich said. “Whenever you have someone like that reaching out to you and saying things like that, it’s definitely a good boost.”
One of a pitcher’s biggest attributes is his fastball velocity (and Povich reaches 95 mph), but he needs other pitches to make his fastball more effective. He also throws a cutter, changeup, curveball and slider.
Povich credits his idol, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, for the shape of one of his favorite pitches, the curveball.
“My curveball has always kind of looked like his and tried to model mine after his,” Povich explained. “Slow, big, looping breaking ball.”
The Orioles have slowly but surely reaped the benefits of all the young talent they have drafted in recent years. Catcher Adley Rutschman is a prime example of this, having shined since he was called up to the majors back in May. This speaks to not only Rutschman but the Orioles’ development team. Povich thinks this unit is special and could benefit him in the long run.
“It’s no secret that the Orioles have one of, if not the top farm system,” Povich said. “The way they’ve developed players and brought players up, it’s exciting to be a part of, for the future of the program and for the future of myself.”
As Povich continues to get acclimated with Baltimore and Orioles fans, he is looking to get more involved within the community. He remembers attending Nebraska baseball and Royals games growing up, and at one point, a Husker ballplayer took Povich on a tour of Nebraska’s ballpark.
Povich later pitched for the Huskers. Now, he hopes to be able to do the same thing past players did for him.
“I’m a guy that likes to give back. I love interacting with the fans,” Povich said. “… I try to look back and see how I was back then and be a role model for kids like they were for me.”
For more from Povich, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Matt Sabados