Orioles reportedly still looking for pitching

The Baltimore Orioles have made a pair of trades to bolster their pitching staff, acquiring starting pitcher Zach Eflin from the Rays and reliever Seranthony Dominguez as part of a trade with the Phillies. The Orioles may not be done making moves.

According to Jon Heyman from MLB Network, the "aggressive" Orioles are still looking to add arms. Heyman did mention that Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is not likely to be traded, but if a deal were to happen, the Orioles have the pieces to make a trade work.

Adding another starting pitcher makes sense for the Orioles. Albert Suarez had been a great story but has fallen off since June 1, posting a 5.21 ERA and a 1.579 WHiP over his last 38 innings covering eight starts. Cole Irvin has lost his spot in the rotation due to ineffectiveness. Eflin, Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez are an impressive trio but that may not be enough for a deep run in the postseason.

Likewise, the Orioles are facing questions in the ninth inning. Craig Kimbrel has struggled in his last four outings, allowing eight runs, six earned, on six hits and five walks over 3.2 innings. Dominguez does have some closing experience, having notched 28 saves in his major league career. However, he is better served as a set-up man, handling the seventh or eighth inning.

The Orioles may not have a choice in the matter. The Yankees are reportedly closing in on a trade with the Rays for closer Pete Fairbanks after acquiring outfielder/second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. earlier. If the Orioles are going to remain atop the AL East, they may need to make another move to bolster their pitching staff.