Cade Povich Dominates In First Start With New Club
Cade Povich was arguably the centerpiece of last week's trade that saw big-league closer Jorge Lopez dealt from the Orioles to the Twins. The southpaw has a mid-90s fastball that figures to increase a few ticks as he rises through the minors. He also throws a decent changeup, slider, and curveball. Povich's best tool is his control; he has a fantastic tendency to locate his pitches in the zone, inducing strikeouts and weak contact all while keeping walks to a minimum. The 24-year-old made his debut in the Orioles' system on Saturday, throwing six shutout innings. He surrendered one hit and zero walks while striking out eight batters. He was quite efficient, working through the Wilmington lineup with ease. It's hard to imagine this is the last time Povich appears on one of these prospect reports.
Source: FanGraphs
Baltimore Orioles new pitching prospect Source: FanGraphs
Cade Povich Earns No. 5 Rotation Spot
Cade Povich will open the 2025 regular season as the team's No. 5 starter and will start the home opener on March 31 against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, according to general manager Mike Elias. Povich beat out right-hander Albert Suarez for the final spot in the starting rotation by posting a 3.07 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 15 strikeouts and four walks in 14 2/3 Grapefruit League innings. The 24-year-old southpaw gets an opportunity in the rotation to start the year thanks to the injury to right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow), who doesn't have a timetable to make his season debut due to elbow inflammation. As a rookie in 2024, Povich went 3-9 with a 5.20 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with 69 K's and 34 walks in 79 2/3 frames over 16 starts. The former third-rounder will probably continue to be a work in progress, but he has room for growth and will be an option in AL-only leagues.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Baltimore Orioles left-hander Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Cade Povich Strikes Out Six In Five Hitless Innings On Tuesday
Cade Povich tossed five hitless innings in Tuesday's 8-2 Grapefruit League victory over the Blue Jays. The lefty walked three batters and struck out six in the outing. It was a much-needed statement performance from the southpaw whose chances to make the rotation to begin the season improved with Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) expected to miss the first month. In all, Povich has allowed five earned runs over a total of 14 2/3 spring innings, allowing four walks and 15 strikeouts. The 6-foot-3 hurler had a bumpy start to his major league career in 2024, posting a 6.58 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, and a 4.5 percent K-BB% over the first 11 starts, but recorded a 2.60 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and a 22.4 percent K-BB% over the final five starts. As a former third-round pick and highly rated prospect, Povich is worth a look in deeper and AL-only leagues for fantasy if it's confirmed he'll earn a rotation spot.
Source: ESPN
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Source: ESPN
Cade Povich Allows Five Runs On Thursday
Cade Povich allowed eight hits and five earned runs across 4 2/3 innings of work on Thursday. Povich was cruising through his first four innings, allowing just one run with three hits. However, in the fifth inning, the southpaw stumbled and served up four runs and five hits, including a home run to Toronto outfielder Daulton Varsho. With Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) expected to miss the start of the season, the 24-year-old is competing for the open spot in the rotation. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression during camp, as he has flashed solid upside at times. However, his rough finish to this start could put him on the outside of the 40-man roster. Through 9 2/3 innings in camp, Povich has held a 4.66 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. He held a 5.20 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP across 79 2/3 innings in the majors last season. If he were to make the starting rotation, he could have value in deeper AL-only formats.
Source: MLB.com
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Source: MLB.com
Albert Suarez, Cade Povich Competing For Open Rotation Spot
Albert Suarez and Cade Povich are set to compete for the open spot in the rotation with Grayson Rodriguez (triceps) set to be sidelined through Opening Day. Earlier in the offseason, Suarez was initially expected to be the next man up, but given Povich's strong performance in spring training, he could surpass him on the depth chart. Last season, Suarez logged 133 2/3 innings in Baltimore and posted a 3.70 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. He tallied 108 strikeouts with a modest 7.6 percent walk rate. Povich made his MLB debut last summer and held an underwhelming 5.20 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP across 79 2/3 innings. However, in spring training, Povich has tossed five shutout frames and allowed just one hit while tallying seven punchouts. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Povich's development as he could move up the depth chart if he continues this excellent play. For now, both pitchers are solid late-round targets in AL-only formats.
Source: Matt Weyrich
Baltimore Orioles starting pitchers Source: Matt Weyrich
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