BALTIMORE—In five days, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has seen the acquisition of two new starters. On Friday, it was right-hander Zach Eflin from Tampa Bay. On Tuesday, the Orioles traded for left-hander Trevor Rogers from the Miami Marlins in exchange for second baseman Connor Norby and outfielder Kyle Stowers.
“From what I do know, he’s a guy that’s had nine or 10 really good starts his last times out,” Hyde said. “We’re always looking for starting pitching and, hopefully, he can help us down the stretch.”
Hyde enjoyed managing Norby and Stowers.
“Part of the game, the unfortunate part is saying goodbye to people,” Hyde said. “Excited for [Norby] to get a really good opportunity, showcase himself as a major league player. Kyle in the same boat — guys that have put good numbers up in Triple-A, looking for an opportunity, and hopefully they get one in Miami.”
Hyde said that it was too early to project that Albert Suárez would be moved to the bullpen. He has been in the rotation for most of the last three months. It’s assumed that Rogers will supplant Suárez, giving the Orioles a rotation of Rogers, Eflin, Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez and Deam Kremer.
The Orioles are in need of a left-handed starter. John Means, who had Tommy John surgery last month, is out for the season. Cole Irvin, who was a starter and then moved to the bullpen, was designated for assignment on Tuesday. Rookie Cade Povich has been ineffective.
“Definitely left-handed starting pitching is really important here,” Hyde said. “We haven’t had a lot of it.”
Note: The Orioles purchased the contract of utility player Terrin Vavra, adding him to the 26- and 40-man rosters. They made the move after Norby, who had been playing second base, was involved in the trade for Rogers.