JUST IN : Baltimore Orioles Make Controversial Roster Move With Top Prospect

What exactly are the Baltimore Orioles doing with Cade Povich? On Saturday, Baltimore Orioles youngster Cade Povich had one of his best starts of his young career. He pitched a career-high 6 1/3 innings against the Boston Red Sox, allowing only two runs on six hits and no walks. He also tied his career best of six strikeouts, garnering a standing ovation at Camden Yards in the process.

Unfortunately for Povich, the Orioles lost 5-1. Even worse, they rewarded him for his outstanding performance by promptly returning him to the minor levels, continuing their poor management of young talent.

On Sunday, Baltimore announced that it had optioned Povich back to Triple-A Norfolk and will call up right-handed pitcher Colin Selby to replace him.

This is another setback for Povich, who has struggled in his first taste of the major leagues. The 24-year-old rookie is 1-6 with a 5.77 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP in nine starts this season, with only two coming after the All-Star break as he has lost playing time. However, it will be difficult for Povich to regain confidence and build on Saturday’s performance in Triple-A, where he is 6-1 with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. While there is little doubt that Povich needs more polish, he also requires more big-league experience to realise his full potential.

Unfortunately, this will have to wait. The Orioles haven’t needed their No. 5 prospect as much since dealing for Zach Eflin last month, who filled a critical void in their rotation. He’ll probably be back before the end of the season, possibly when rosters expand in September.

Meanwhile, Selby offers a fresh arm to Baltimore’s bullpen, but he does not appear to be a significant upgrade over Povich. The 26-year-old righty posted a 6.00 ERA in two appearances for the Kansas City Royals this season and an 8.67 ERA in 27 career innings. As a result, Brandon Hyde will most likely deploy him in low-leverage situations for the time being. Selby may not stay long if his troubles persist, potentially paving the way for Povich to return in the near future.