The Baltimore Orioles took steps on Friday to address their ongoing slump. Before losing 6-4 to the visiting San Diego Padres, the Orioles pulled off two trades. They hope the newcomers can spark a turnaround on Saturday in the middle game of a three-game series.
"I think we know how good we are," Baltimore relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel said. "We get disappointed when we're not playing up to our expectations. And I think at times we feel that way.
" The Orioles have dropped four of their last five games. The Padres are headed in the opposite direction, carrying a six-game winning streak. "A lot of heroes in that bullpen," San Diego manager Mike Shildt said after he used six relievers Friday night.
The Orioles, who have lost nine of their last 13 games, have another option in their bullpen after adding Seranthony Dominguez in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. Dominguez, acquired along with outfielder Cristian Pache in exchange for outfielder Austin Hays, pitched a scoreless eighth inning just hours after arriving. Baltimore trailed 4-2 when Dominguez entered the contest.
"Kind of wanted to get his feet wet in a lower-pressure situation," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. "He arrived here at about 5 o'clock. .
.. If he went in the game tonight, it was going to be, I didn't want to put him in a real tough spot.
" In a separate trade, Baltimore picked up starting pitcher Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for three minor leaguers. Eflin likely will make his Orioles.