The Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays didn’t just face each other on the diamond on Tuesday — they got a trade done before the MLB deadline. Right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez was shipped from the home clubhouse at Camden Yards to the visiting one after the Orioles sent him to the Blue Jays for right-handed prospect Juaron Watts-Browns. While players traded usually need to figure out flight plans and car pickups to join their new squad, Dominguez was spotted simply walking through the tunnel to join the Blue Jays in the middle of their doubleheader on Tuesday.
For Game 1, Dominguez was active and ready to go if the O’s called on him to pitch against the Blue Jays. But for Game 2, he suited up in his once-rival’s uniform and was ready to face his former teammates if needed. To make room for Dominguez on the roster, the Blue Jays designated Chad Green for assignment after he gave up four runs in the team’s blowout loss, 16-4, in Game 1. This is the third reliever Baltimore has dealt this year, as Bryan Baker went to the Tampa Bay Rays, and the New York Mets added lefty Gregory Soto in their deal with the Orioles.
Dominguez, who was moved by the Philadelphia Phillies last season to the Orioles, had a 3.97 ERA over 26 relief appearances for Baltimore since being dealt. This season, Dominguez has a 3.24 ERA over 43 outings on the mound, showcasing his electric stuff. However, he has struggled with some command this season, leading to 54 strikeouts over his appearances, but also 24 walks and 32 hits, which comes out to a 1.344 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched). Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Watts-Browns has spent time with Double-A New Hampshire and High-A Vancouver this season, where he has a 3.54 ERA over 19 starts.
The trade underscores the competitive nature of MLB, where teams often make mid-season moves to strengthen their roster and address immediate needs. As the trade deadline approaches, more such deals are expected, with teams looking to maximize their chances for a playoff run or to trade away underperforming players for prospects or other assets. The Orioles, in particular, have been active in the trade market, dealing off their bullpen to make room for younger, more dynamic arms.