Blue Jays Quiet: AL East Trade Deadline Recap

Jul 30, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Andrew Miller (30) pitches during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Orioles

– SP Eduardo Rodriguez traded to Boston Red Sox for RP Andrew Miller

Impact:  The Orioles deadline activity was limited, yet successful.  Buck Showalter will have an elite new arm to bring out of his bullpen, which should be a welcome sign given the string of tight contests that Baltimore has been experiencing lately.

Most importantly, Miller is a left-handed reliever who absolutely dominates left-handed hitting.  I won’t suggest too strongly this move was made with the Blue Jays as a driving factor, but Miller’s ability to shut down Toronto’s lefty bats in their remaining series’ makes this move all the more valuable for Baltimore.

With as hot as they are lately, the Baltimore Orioles did not need to make a huge move.  They may regret their choice to not add a starting pitcher, but this bullpen move leaves them as an improved ball club.