The Baltimore Orioles made a roster move on Tuesday by acquiring left-handed pitcher Nick Raquet from the St. Louis Cardinals, adding another southpaw option to their bullpen.
Raquet, 30, joins Baltimore after being designated for assignment by the Cardinals just a few days earlier. His arrival provides first-year manager Craig Albernaz with additional flexibility on the pitching staff, particularly from the left side, which is often a valuable asset in late-game situations.
To make room on the roster, the Orioles made a series of corresponding moves. Veteran right-hander Zach Eflin was transferred to the 60-day injured list due to ongoing discomfort in his right elbow. Additionally, right-hander Brandon Young was optioned back to Triple-A Norfolk after a brief stint with the major league club.
Eflin, who is set to turn 32, is currently undergoing further evaluation. According to Albernaz, the decision to move him to the 60-day injured list reflects both the seriousness of the situation and the expected recovery timeline. The team is awaiting a second medical opinion to determine the next steps, but early indications suggest he could be sidelined for an extended period.
In Eflin’s absence, the Orioles have relied on their depth, with Brandon Young stepping in to help stabilize the rotation. The 27-year-old delivered an impressive performance in Monday’s 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox, throwing five shutout innings. Young had been called up from Norfolk to fill the gap after Cade Povich, who was initially considered for the start, had already logged significant innings in a long relief outing the previous day in Pittsburgh.
Albernaz praised Young’s effort, emphasizing how important it was for the team to get quality innings during a stretch where pitching depth is being tested. His outing highlighted Baltimore’s ability to lean on its farm system when needed.
In exchange for Raquet, the Orioles sent minor league infielder Brayden Smith to St. Louis. Smith, a second baseman, now joins the Cardinals organization as part of the deal. Raquet himself was originally selected in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft and has steadily worked his way through the minors.
Although his major league experience is limited, Raquet made his debut with the Cardinals last season, pitching two scoreless innings in September. He has also shown promise at the Triple-A level, posting a 1-0 record with a 3.00 ERA in two relief appearances this year with Peoria. His most recent outing came last Wednesday.
From the Orioles’ perspective, the move is about adding depth and potential upside to the bullpen. Left-handed relievers are always in demand, and Raquet’s ability to throw strikes has made him an appealing addition. The team plans to ease him back into action, as he has not pitched in several days, focusing first on getting him comfortable and ready to contribute.
Overall, the trade reflects Baltimore’s proactive approach to managing its pitching staff amid injuries and a demanding schedule, while also taking a low-risk chance on a pitcher who could develop into a useful bullpen piece.
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