As Povich debuts, O's rotation is TBA right now for Tampa Bay series

TORONTO – Reporters' daily interest about the upcoming Orioles rotation naturally led to questions about what that rotation could look like for the upcoming Tampa Bay series. Manager Brandon Hyde today said that, as of now, the Orioles are yet to be determined for that entire series, which begins Friday night in St. Petersburg.

But he also, when asked, made an important clarification today on right-hander Kyle Bradish, whose next start is being pushed back. We don’t know when it will be. But Hyde was asked whether that move is simply more about extra rest or about physical concerns.

“Just extra rest,” said Hyde.

When asked if Bradish will skip a start, Hyde said, “We’re TBA. Any more questions on that?” he said with a laugh. But who could blame him for tiring of the constant media inquiries about who is pitching next?

Hyde also said yesterday that there may be several instances during this stretch of 30 games in 31 days when the club's upcoming rotation is to be announced at some future time.

Today lefty Cade Povich, who went 5-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 11 starts at Triple-A Norfolk, gets his first big league start.

“I’m sure he’s nervous," the skipper said. "Lot of butterflies. He seems pretty composed in the clubhouse. So, I know he’s really excited. They just had their pitcher-catcher advance meeting and talked about the Blue Jays lineup and how he is going to attack them. He seems ready to go.”

The Orioles' pitching program continues to make strides and today sends a lefty to the big leagues who improved significantly in it.

“You know, how far Cade has come in a year, just from ’23 spring training to ’24 spring training, it was a notable difference how he came into camp," Hyde said. "How he is throwing the ball this year, throwing more strikes. The stuff is there. Just more ready for this moment. We have been spoiled having so many prospects make their debuts. Now we are getting more pitchers up here. It’s awesome for the organization.”

The club seems open to Povich staying in the rotation, but needs to see how it goes today.

“Like I said yesterday, we are TBA all the time right now," Hyde said. "We’ll see how it goes. We’re going to need starting pitching. We’re going to need more. It’s just the way this goes right now. So hopefully Cade can make a good start for us today.”

Did Hyde have any special words for Povich ahead of his debut?

“I said some stuff to him yesterday, but today it’s his day, his moment," the manager replied. "He watched the game last night. He had his own notes. Him and Mac (catcher James McCann) talked about the Blue Jays hitters. They talked about how Mac can help him behind the plate. We are fortunate that we have two unbelievable catchers to help young guys get through innings. So yeah, I kind of lean on them today.”

Norby’s take: On Monday, Connor Norby made his major league debut. Now he sees another Norfolk teammate come to the bigs.

"Lot of pitches, lot of strikes," Norby said this morning of Povich. "You probably won't (see him) throw the same thing twice in a row. Stud. That is what this guy is. Stud. Good stuff."

The O's keep sending young guys to their big league team.

"They have drafted really well," Norby said. "Brought in really talented guys, really talented people to add on to what they already had. We are all looking to grow with each other and we are hoping to achieve the ultimate dream."

Does Norby have any advice for the next guy making his debut?

"I would say 'breathe,'" Norby said. "I tried doing that and it didn't work out so well. But, I'll emphasize it a little bit more to him. Just take it in. It doesn't happen every day. It's going to be the best day of his life. I'll promise you that.

"Just take it in, enjoy the day. Try to control your emotions and your breathing as best as you can. Even though it's going to be the hardest thing you'll ever have to do. He'll be fine."