Orioles Shuffle Active Roster Ahead of Angels Series: Cade Povich Returns, Christian Franklin Set for MLB Debut, Carlos Narváez Activated
The Baltimore Orioles made a flurry of roster moves Tuesday as they continue reshaping their club following last week’s trade deadline. The transactions bring three new faces to the active roster while sending two recent acquisitions back to Triple-A Norfolk.
Orioles Roster Moves
Recalled
- LHP Cade Povich from Triple-A Norfolk (scheduled to start Tuesday night’s game)
Activated
- OF Christian Franklin (No. 27) – expected to make his Major League debut
- C Carlos Narváez (No. 75)
Optioned
- RHP Codi Heuer to Triple-A Norfolk
- OF Rece Hinds to Triple-A Norfolk
Cade Povich Gets Another Opportunity
The Orioles are once again turning to left-hander Cade Povich, who has spent much of the season moving between Baltimore and Triple-A Norfolk.
Acquired from the Minnesota Twins in the 2022 Jorge López trade, Povich has remained one of the organization’s better pitching prospects thanks to his ability to generate swings and misses with a deceptive fastball, quality curveball and improving changeup. While command has occasionally held him back at the Major League level, Baltimore continues to believe he can develop into a dependable rotation piece.
With the Orioles having traded several veteran pitchers before the deadline, the club will use the remainder of the season to evaluate younger arms. Tuesday’s start represents another important opportunity for Povich to show he belongs in the club’s long-term rotation plans.
Christian Franklin Earns His First Call-Up
One of the most intriguing moves is the promotion of Christian Franklin, whose first appearance in an Orioles uniform will also be his Major League debut.
The 25-year-old outfielder arrived from the Washington Nationals organization shortly before the trade deadline in exchange for minor league pitcher Joe Glassey. Franklin has built a reputation as an outstanding defensive outfielder capable of playing all three positions while providing above-average speed on the bases.
Offensively, he has shown solid on-base skills throughout his minor league career while adding developing power. Baltimore will likely give him opportunities to prove he can become part of its future outfield mix as the organization evaluates younger talent over the final two months of the season.
Carlos Narváez Joins Orioles Following Blockbuster Trade
Perhaps the biggest addition is catcher Carlos Narváez, who was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the blockbuster deal that sent former All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman to Boston.
Narváez brings Major League experience and strong defensive abilities behind the plate. Known for handling pitching staffs well, controlling the running game with a solid throwing arm and providing occasional power, the 27-year-old gives Baltimore another experienced catcher while Samuel Basallo continues to recover from injury.
Although his offensive numbers have fluctuated during his Major League career, the Orioles believe his defense and game management can make him an important contributor immediately. He will wear No. 75.
Heuer and Hinds Head Back to Norfolk
The corresponding moves send two recent acquisitions back to Triple-A.
Codi Heuer, a former high-leverage reliever with the White Sox and Cubs, joined Baltimore after being acquired from Milwaukee. Injuries have limited his career over the past several seasons, but the Orioles hope he can regain the form that once made him one of baseball’s better young bullpen arms.
Rece Hinds, acquired for cash considerations, possesses some of the biggest raw power in professional baseball. However, strikeouts have remained a challenge throughout his career. By returning to Norfolk, Hinds should receive regular at-bats while continuing to work on his offensive consistency.
MSB Take
These moves continue to show exactly where the Orioles are headed following a dramatic trade deadline.
Rather than chasing a postseason spot with veterans, Baltimore is using the remainder of 2026 to evaluate players who could contribute in 2027 and beyond. Povich receives another chance to establish himself in the rotation, Franklin gets the opportunity every prospect dreams of with his first Major League call-up, and Narváez begins the difficult task of helping replace one of the most recognizable players in franchise history behind the plate.
For Orioles fans, the final two months of the season will be less about the standings and more about discovering which of these new faces can become part of the organization’s next winning core.
