Orioles finally option struggling rookie ahead of All Star break

On Saturday afternoon the Orioles announced that they've finally optioned lefty Cade Povich to Triple-A Norfolk. Povich struggled again in his most recent start on Friday night and with the combination of a lack of results, along with the upcoming All-Star break after Sunday's games, the Orioles made the move.

After Friday's outing against the Yankees, Povich had allowed 11 combined earned runs in his last two starts. However, it wasn't just that recent performance that forced the Orioles' hand. Povich had been rocky all year, pitching to a 6.27 ERA in 7 starts. His 6.29 FIP didn't exactly inspire confidence, either.

Not only were the results underwhelming, but his stuff hasn't translated well from Triple-A to the majors. His 16.1% strikeout rate is half of what it was in the minors this year. He'd consistently posted strikeout rates over 30% throughout his minor league career, with much better walk rates than what we've seen from him in Baltimore.

Orioles fans were calling for the team to make a move after his previous start, where he got shelled for 8 runs in 1+ innings pitched against the lowly Athletics. While the All Star break likely has a lot to do with this decision, Povich's inconsistency could push GM Mike Elias into making a move to add starting pitching at the trade deadline.

Cade Povich's struggles could push the Orioles to add a starting pitcher at the trade deadline

In Povich's stead, the Orioles have recalled the recently signed Vinny Nittoli from Triple-A. The O's signed Nittoli to a minor league contract a week ago after the righty was designated for assignment by the Athletics.

Nittoli is an interesting right handed reliever who has posted strong results in the minors, including a 36% strikeout rate in Triple-A between both Baltimore's and Oakland's systems this year. He'll provide the O's with bullpen depth for the next two games. Whether he remains in Baltimore past the All Star break remains to be seen.

In order to make room on the 40-man roster for Nittoli, the Orioles shifted reliever Danny Columbe to the 60-day IL. Columbe underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his throwing elbow back in June. His timeline could potentially put him back in Baltimore toward the end of September, depending on whether his rehab goes according to plan.