After losing yet another starting pitcher to the injured list, the Baltimore Orioles have recalled left-hander Cole Irvin to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Mets. Newly acquired pitcher Zach Eflin, who was scheduled to close out the three-game series, was placed on the injured list on Tuesday with shoulder inflammation. Cade Povich was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, but the No. 5 prospect is not on normal rest after Saturday’s spot start.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/sZjuEpZ3DE
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 21, 2024
Orioles Recall Cole Irvin For Spot Start Against Mets
After getting off to a rough start to the season, Irvin started to find his groove in late April and was dominant through most of May. Irvin was 5-1 in those seven appearances with an ERA of 1.25 and 25 strikeouts. But after being ping-ponged between the rotation and bullpen, Irvin’s groove simply disappeared. Irvin went 1-3 with a 7.16 ERA in 11 appearances between June and July. The 30-year-old southpaw was designated for assignment on July 30th and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk after clearing waivers. He made two starts for the Tides, allowing four runs (three earned) over 6 ⅔ innings of work.
Irvin is working on six days’ rest and is scheduled to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Mets. This will be Irvin’s first appearance since being designated for assignment nearly a month ago. The veteran lefty has faced the Mets four times in his career, including one start, with an 8.22 ERA. Overall, Irvin is 6-5 this season with a 4.85 ERA through 21 games (14 starts) for the Orioles.
To make room for Irvin on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have designated reliever Nick Avila for assignment. Baltimore also optioned reliever Dillon Tate back to Triple-A Norfolk. Having lost three starters to season-ending surgery, the Orioles rotation has struggled, and with both Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez sidelined, Baltimore’s already depleted rotation is now even thinner. Irvin will get the ball for the Orioles as they try to win the series against the Mets.
Main Photo Credits: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
