Orioles make 2nd trade of day, acquiring starting pitcher Zach Eflin from Tampa Bay for 3 prospects

In their second trade on a busy Friday, the Orioles acquired starting right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays for three prospects — right-handed pitcher Jackson Baumeister, outfielder Matthew Etzel and infielder/outfielder Mac Horvath.

News of the trade was first reported by The Athletic and the complete deal was reported by ESPN.

Eflin, who’s under contract with a $18 million salary in 2025, is 5-7 with a 4.09 earned-run average in 19 starts with the Rays. The 30-year-old last pitched on Wednesday, and he could pitch in Monday’s doubleheader against Toronto.

Earlier in the day, the Orioles traded outfielder Austin Hays to Philadelphia for right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez and outfielder Cristian Pache.

Horvath is the 10th-rated prospect by MLB Pipeline; Baumeister is rated 17th.

Baumeister, who was a second-round pick of the Orioles in 2023, is 1-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 18 games. He’s struck out 91 and walked 43 in 70 2/3 innings this season.

Etzel, a 10^th-round draft choice in 2023, was hitting a combined .289 with six home runs and 47 RBIs and an .809 OPS. He’s stolen 41 bases in 52 attempts.

Horvath, another second-round pick of the Orioles last year, was hitting .233 with nine home runs and 41 RBIs in 71 games for High-A Aberdeen.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated right-handed pitcher Vinny Nittoli for assignment.