After being acquired in a big trade deadline deal, the Baltimore Orioles have moved pitcher Jack Flaherty to the bullpen.
Manager Brandon Hyde told reporters that the move is centered around the desire to help the team in the short term and that Flaherty is on board.
“He’s been such a pro about it. I’ve been talking to him about it the last few days as a possibility. He’s a total team guy. Really, really impressed with his professionalism. Truly, he really just wants to help this team win somehow, and if he can do it in that way, we’ll see.”
The Orioles enter play on Wednesday at 2.5 games ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East. The O's have already clinched a playoff berth. Also, with the return of John Means from injury, the O's have six starting pitchers, so Hyde has trimmed that down with this move.
Overall, Flaherty is 8-9 this season with a 4.96 ERA. With the Orioles, he's made eight appearances and has pitched to a 6.68 ERA, going 1-3.
The 27-year-old California native is in his seventh year in the big leagues, owning a lifetime 42-34 record. He'll be a free agent at the end of the season.
At the time of this posting, the Orioles lead the Houston Astros 1-0. In addition to the game having meaning for Baltimore, Houston enters play at 0.5 games up in the American League West.
The O's will be back in action on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians.
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