O's acquire RHP Zach Eflin, ship 3 minor leaguers to Rays

Field Level Media|published: Fri 26th July, 18:07 2024

Jul 24, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin (24) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The American League East-leading Baltimore Orioles bolstered their starting rotation on Friday, acquiring veteran right-hander Zach Eflin and cash considerations from the Tampa Bay Rays.

In exchange, the Rays received three minor leaguers: right-hander Jackson Baumeister, outfielder Matthew Etzel and infielder/outfielder Mac Horvath.

Eflin, 30, is 5-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 19 starts this season, his second with Tampa Bay. He's in the second year of a three-year, $40 million deal with the Rays after spending his first seven seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies.

In 2023, Eflin tied for the American League lead in wins, finishing 16-8 with a 3.50 ERA in 31 starts. In his nine MLB seasons, Eflin is 57-60 with a 4.26 ERA in 177 games (165 starts).

Baumeister, 22, is ranked as the Orioles' No. 17 prospect and No. 6 pitching prospect by MLBPipeline.com. This season, he's 1-3 with a 3.06 ERA in 18 starts at Class A Aberdeen.

Etzel, 22, was a 10th-round pick in 2023 and is slashing .289/.363/.445 with 15 doubles, seven triples, six homers, 46 runs, 41 stolen bases and 47 RBIs in 83 combined games between Double-A Bowie and Aberdeen.

Horvath, 23, is the No. 10 prospect in the Baltimore system by MLBPipeline.com. This season at Aberdeen, he is slashing .233/.328/.417 with 19 doubles, two triples, nine home runs, 26 steals and 41 RBIs in 71 games.

--Field Level Media

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