What's next for the Orioles after solidifying pitching staff before trade deadline

The Orioles have come in hot at the trade deadline. What's next for Mike Elias and the O's?

San Diego Padres v Baltimore Orioles
San Diego Padres v Baltimore Orioles | Scott Taetsch/GettyImages

The Orioles came in hot on Friday, making two deals to acquire pitching depth ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.

First, they sent Austin Hays to the Phillies in exchange for RHP Seranthony Dominguez and OF Christian Pache. Then they made a bigger splash, acquiring RHP Zach Eflin from the division-rival Rays for a trio of prospects, IF Mac Horvath, OF Matthew Etzel, and RHP Jackson Baumeister.

Dominguez and Pache both made their debuts in Baltimore last night. Dominguez threw a scoreless inning, notching a strikeout with 2 hits allowed, and Pache came on as a pinch runner for Heston Kjerstad in the 8th inning.

Eflin is on track to pitch against the Jays on Monday and will likely slot into the third spot in the Orioles rotation, behind Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez.

Eflin is a nice addition for the Orioles. Fans have been clamoring for a starting pitcher and Eflin has a decent track record of success. He's not as flashy as a guy like Tarik Skubal, but he's pitched well enough to be in consideration to start the third or fourth game of a playoff series.

Likewise, Dominguez probably won't take over closing duties from Craig Kimbrel but has been good enough to lengthen the bullpen in Baltimore and take some innings away from guys at the back end.

Will the Orioles make another move or two before Tuesday's deadline?

Based on the rumors we've heard over the past two weeks, we have to assume that the Orioles aren't finished. With Albert Suarez fading a bit and Cade Povich struggling out of the gate, there's room for another starter in Baltimore.

It seems a bit unlikely that Elias will move one of the top-tier prospects to acquire a guy like Skubal but someone in the mold of a Jack Flaherty or Jameson Taillon would go a long way to lengthen the O's rotation and give them an advantage heading into October.

As for the bullpen, Kimbrel blew another save on Friday night, albeit with a little help from the defense behind him. Going into October with Kimbrel as the closer is a risky strategy but acquiring someone to take his job also runs the risk of upsetting the chemistry in the clubhouse. It's a thin needle for Elias to thread.

Then we have to consider the offense. Both Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle were subjects in trade rumors last week. It's unlikely that both get moved but having Mullins and Pache on the roster, both of whom seem like defensive replacements at the moment, doesn't feel like the best use of roster spots.

The Orioles have enough prospect depth for their infield but it's possible they look to add a center fielder over the weekend. It all depends on Elias and how comfortable he feels with this group. They're in a good spot but anything that'll make the team better should at least be considered.

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