The Orioles traded one of their most senior players, outfielder Austin Hays, to the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. In exchange for Hays, the Orioles receive right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez and outfielder Cristian Pache.
The 29-year-old Hays, who first played for the Orioles in September 2017, has had a disappointing season but provided many great memories for Oriole fans.
This season, Hays is hitting .255 with three home runs, 14 RBIs and a .711 OPS. A year ago, Hays was a starter in the All-Star Game and hit .275 with 16 home runs, 67 RBIs and a .769 OPS.
While he had a number of injuries in his seven seasons with the Orioles, Hays also was known for his toughness and playing while hurt. In his Orioles career, Hays hit .262 with a .747 OPS.
The two first-place teams each was seeking something the other team had. The Phillies were looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder, and the Orioles were looking for a right-handed power arm for their bullpen. Dominguez is 3-2 with a 4.75 earned-run average and one save for the Phillies. In six seasons with Philadelphia, he was 19-17 with a 3.55 ERA and 28 saves.
Pache, 25-year-old right-handed hitter, is hitting .202 with nine RBIs this season. In five seasons with Atlanta, Oakland and the Phillies, Pache has a .179 average.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated right-hander Levi Stoudt for assignment. The Orioles are expected to make more moves before the trade deadline on Tuesday at 6 p.m.