Orioles Recall Cam Sanders, Adding Another Bullpen Arm for Second Half Push
The Baltimore Orioles continued reshaping their bullpen Friday by recalling right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders from Triple-A Norfolk ahead of the opening game of their series against the Houston Astros. Sanders, who will wear No. 73, is the latest addition to an Orioles pitching staff searching for consistency as the club begins the second half of the season.
The move comes just days after Baltimore acquired Sanders from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations. After the trade, the Orioles briefly assigned him to Triple-A Norfolk before deciding he was ready to join the major league roster.
Who Is Cam Sanders?
Sanders, 29, is a hard-throwing right-handed reliever with an interesting baseball journey.
The Louisiana native attended Edward Douglas White Catholic High School before pitching at Northwest Florida State College and later LSU. The Chicago Cubs selected him in the 12th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, and Sanders spent several seasons working through the Cubs’ farm system before becoming a free agent following the 2024 season.
He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization before the 2025 season and made his Major League debut later that year.
A Power Arm Worth Developing
Although Sanders’s Major League numbers have not yet matched his raw ability, scouts have long been intrigued by his fastball and strikeout potential.
His career MLB statistics entering Friday’s recall include:
- 15 Major League appearances
- 16.0 innings pitched
- 17 strikeouts
- Fastball capable of reaching the upper 90s
- Power reliever profile with swing-and-miss potential
Command has been the biggest obstacle. Walks and inconsistent location have contributed to an elevated ERA during his brief Major League career, but Baltimore clearly believes there is upside worth developing.
Why Baltimore Made the Move
The Orioles have aggressively searched for bullpen help throughout July.
Sanders provides:
- Another high-velocity option.
- Minor league flexibility.
- A fresh arm following the All-Star break.
- Organizational depth without giving up a prospect.
The Orioles also transferred Keegan Akin to the 60-day injured list earlier this week, opening a 40-man roster spot that helped facilitate Sanders’s arrival in the organization.
Opportunity to Earn a Role
Baltimore does not need Sanders to become the closer immediately.
Instead, the Orioles are hoping pitching coach Drew French and the organization’s player development staff can help him improve his command while allowing his electric fastball to play in shorter relief appearances.
If Sanders throws consistent strikes, his velocity alone gives him an opportunity to become a useful middle-inning reliever and perhaps even pitch in higher-leverage situations down the road.
The Orioles have found success in recent years identifying overlooked pitchers with intriguing tools. Sanders could become another reclamation project if the coaching staff unlocks greater consistency.
MSB Analysis
This is exactly the type of low-risk move successful organizations make.
Baltimore gave up only cash considerations for a pitcher with Major League experience and premium velocity. If Sanders figures things out, the Orioles could have added a valuable bullpen piece for almost nothing. If he struggles, there is very little downside.
Pitching depth often determines postseason races, and adding another live arm gives manager Tony Mansolino one more option as Baltimore begins what it hopes is a playoff push.
Sanders may not be a household name today, but if he can harness his stuff and limit the walks, Orioles fans could be hearing much more from No. 73 during the second half of the season.
