BREAKING: Orioles & Rays Complete Huge Trade

The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move to bolster their pitching rotation by acquiring right-handed starter Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays. 

This deal, reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, involves the Orioles sending three promising prospects to the Rays: outfielder Matthew Etzel, right-hander Jackson Baumeister (No.17) , and utility player Mac Horvath (No. 10).

Full trade, per ESPN sources:

Baltimore Orioles receive: right-handed starter Zach Eflin

Tampa Bay Rays receive: outfielder Matthew Etzel, right-handed pitcher Jackson Baumeister and superutilityman Mac Horvath.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 26, 2024

Eflin, 30, brings a wealth of experience and consistency to the Orioles' pitching staff. 

Known for his reliable appearances with the Philadelphia Phillies and Rays, Eflin has maintained a 4.01 ERA over 800 innings in recent years. 

This season, he has posted a 4.09 ERA in 19 starts, but has demonstrated elite control with a 2.8% walk rate. His ability to limit walks and generate ground balls effectively will provide much-needed stability to a rotation that has struggled with injuries to key starters like Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells.

The Orioles are acquiring Zach Eflin from the Rays, per @Ken_Rosenthal pic.twitter.com/jBnMusyGWh

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 26, 2024

To accommodate Eflin on their roster, the Orioles have designated right-hander Vinny Nittoli for assignment. 

With Eflin joining a rotation that includes ace Corbin Burnes and promising young arm Grayson Rodriguez, the Orioles are better positioned to navigate the final stretch of the season and make a strong playoff push. 

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports