ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays made their second major trade in a span of a few hours Friday, dealing starting pitcher Zach Eflin to the Baltimore Orioles for prospects.
According to the team website, the O's sent youngsters Matthew Etzel, Jackson Baumeister, and Mac Horvath to Tampa Bay.
The move came after the Rays swapped outfielder Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners on Friday morning.
Eflin, who signed a three-year contract with Tampa Bay before the 2023 season, made a splash in his debut year. He went 16-8 with a 3.50 ERA and walked just 24 batters in nearly 180 innings. His performance helped the Rays reach the postseason.
The 30-year-old right-hander hasn't been quite as effective this season, pitching to a 5-7 record and 4.14 ERA in 104 1/3 innings over 18 starts. But he has been good for innings, working at least five innings in every start but one.
The move saves the Rays, long known for a low payroll for its players, $18 million for 2025, in addition to the remainder of $11 million Eflin was owed for this season.
For the Orioles, who lead the AL East by two games entering play Friday night, they get a veteran starter as they try to hold off the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
The Rays open a three-game series Friday night at Tropicana Field against the Cincinnati Reds.