Orioles acquire right-handed starter Zach Eflin from Tampa Bay for 3 minor leaguers

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Orioles spent much of the day bolstering their pitching staff — then showed why it needed help.

Craig Kimbrel allowed a two-run homer in the ninth inning by Jurickson Profar, and the San Diego Padres beat Baltimore 6-4 on Friday night. Earlier in the day, the Orioles acquired reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache in a trade with Philadelphia, then obtained 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 trying for its second straight division title, but the Orioles have had to work around season-ending injuries to starting pitchers Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells. The 30-year-old Eflin is 5-7 with a 4.09 ERA.

Baltimore’s bullpen has also been shaky at times. Kimbrel had blown saves in two of his previous three appearances, then came on in a tie game Friday and allowed the decisive 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, although he allowed two hits.

Baltimore not only could use help in the rotation this year, but also in 2025 — because of those injuries and ace Corbin Burnes’ eligibility for free agency. Eflin is signed through 2025 and due to make $18 million next year.

Tampa Bay will play Baltimore $1 million as part of the deal, covering the amount of the assignment bonus in Eflin’s contract. The Rays obtained outfielder Matthew Etzel, right-hander Jackson Baumeister and utilityman Mac Horvath from Baltimore’s deep farm system.

The Rays signed Eflin to a $40 million, three-year deal before the 2023 season. He went 16-8 with a 3.50 ERA last year, setting career highs in strikeouts (186) and innings (177 2/3).

The Orioles acquired Domínguez and Pache from Philadelphia for outfielder Austin Hays.

The Rays, meanwhile, continue to behave like sellers after dealing outfielder Randy Arozarena to Seattle. Tampa Bay was 52-51 entering play Friday, four games behind a wild card position. Horvath was ranked as Baltimore’s No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline and Baumeister was No. 17.

The Orioles also announced Friday they designated right-hander Vinny Nittoli for assignment.