The Orioles spent much of the day strengthening their pitching staff — then showed why they needed to.
Craig Kimbrel gave up a two-run homer in the ninth inning to Jurickson Profar, and the San Diego Padres defeated Baltimore 6-4 on Friday night.
Earlier in the day, the Orioles acquired reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache from Philadelphia in a trade, and also brought in right-handed starter Zach Eflin from Tampa Bay.
“Zach’s somebody we’ve seen a lot and I’ve heard unbelievable things about him. Postseason tested,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said.
“He’s a true professional. Everybody talks about how great of a guy he is and what he can bring to the clubhouse and our pitching staff, and we’re looking for pitching and it’s nice to add a quality starter like Zach.”
AL East-leading Baltimore is aiming for its second consecutive division title, but the Orioles have had to manage without starting pitchers Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells due to season-ending injuries. The 30-year-old Eflin has a 5-7 record with a 4.09 ERA.
Baltimore’s bullpen has also been inconsistent at times. Kimbrel had blown saves in two of his previous three appearances, and then came on in a tie game on Friday, giving up the crucial homer.
“Balls are kind of thigh high, middle part of the plate,” Hyde said. “He gets ahead of Profar with a base open and then just leaves one in the middle part of the plate. That’s what he’s done the past few days.”
Domínguez made his Orioles debut with a scoreless eighth inning, though he allowed two hits.
Baltimore not only needs help in the rotation this year but also in 2025 due to the injuries and ace Corbin Burnes’ upcoming free agency. Eflin is signed through 2025 and is set to earn $18 million next year.
Tampa Bay will pay Baltimore $1 million as part of the trade, covering the assignment bonus in Eflin’s contract.
The Rays received outfielder Matthew Etzel, right-hander Jackson Baumeister, and utility player Mac Horvath from Baltimore’s extensive farm system.
