With more command and confidence, Povich gets final tune-up

WASHINGTON – As it turns out, the window of opportunity wasn’t just ajar for Cade Povich. It was open, and “Slim” took full advantage. 

Povich won the fifth spot in the rotation and earned the right to hit the hill for Baltimore’s home opener. A big step up for the lefty, who began last season at Triple-A Norfolk. 

“First Opening Day roster, being able to start, make a home opener start, that’s a big deal,” manager Brandon Hyde said today in D.C.. “I think Cade’s got a great way about him. He’s very, very mild mannered, he’s very composed. I was really impressed with his maturity last year and how much he grew up, honestly.”

That growth was on full display during Povich’s final month of the season. 

He flipped a switch in his five starts in September. After an 11.81 ERA in July and a 7.36 in August, that number plummeted to a 2.60 to close the baseball calendar. 

His batting average against dropped by .200, on-base percentage by .150, and OPS by a whopping .400. 

“I thought the moments last year, he pitched in some big games in front of some big crowds late down the stretch, and I thought he handled it really well,” Hyde added. 

A huge reason why, predictably, was his walk rate. In 2023, the Nebraska product walked nearly five batters per nine innings. After seemingly remedying the issue to begin the 2024 campaign, his walk issues returned in the big leagues. 

Through his first eight career games, Povich allowed a whopping 23 free passes in 37.1 innings. His strike rate was down at 62 percent, and he only struck out 25 batters. 

Over his final eight? Only 11 walks in 42.1 innings with a 67 percent strike rate and 44 punchouts. 

It’s not rocket science; Povich has the stuff to make batters miss with pitches in the strike zone. Walks limit baserunners, limiting baserunners limits runs, limiting runs extends starts and wins baseball games. Eureka. 

2024’s late success has carried over into 2025. In four spring training starts, Povich has allowed just five earned runs, struck out 15 and walked four. Notably, too, it’s the best walk rate of any spring training in his career. 

“Command is better, the changeup is a lot better, just more consistent with it,” Hyde said. “He’s had a really good camp, the changeup has shown much improvement, and the fastball command.” 

Put it all together, and you’re left with a young pitcher worthy of toeing the rubber for Camden Yards’ first game of the season. 

If Povich’s Twitter poll is to be trusted, though, he’ll trot out to a different song. 

In 2024, it was “Piano Man.” But in Povich’s recent survey, “Real Slim Shady” won the fan vote. Hyde didn’t get the chance to vote in Slim’s poll, though. 

“I did not, no,” Hyde said with a chuckle. “I like both those songs, so either one’s good with me.”

The skipper will just be happy with whichever song accompanies a quality start. 

Breadcrumbs from The Skipper

It’s cold and rainy in the nation’s capital as the O’s prepare for their final tune-up before the regular season. Hyde noted the great weather in Florida, and that it’s beneficial to “get out of those elements.” It’s cool for young players without big league experience to be in a major league ballpark, too. 

Jorge Mateo played seven innings yesterday and responded well today. He and Gunnar Henderson are both taking “a ton” of at-bats the next two days in Sarasota. 

The O’s are still in “wait-and-see” mode with Kyle Gibson. Hyde noted that a vet like him knows how to get ready for a season, and you treat him differently than you would a younger player. There’s “a whole plan in place” for the month of April.