In a strategic move to strengthen their pitching staff, the Toronto Blue Jays have acquired Dominican right-handed pitcher Seranthony Domínguez from the Baltimore Orioles, according to reports.
The transfer, which is still pending official confirmation, involves the sending of promising minor league pitcher Juaron Watts-Brown, considered the tenth best prospect of the Blue Jays, to the Orioles.
Domínguez, 30 years old, joined his new team without having to move cities, immediately integrating into Toronto’s bullpen at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. This experienced reliever arrives with a fastball that averages 97.8 miles per hour and can reach three digits, which represents a key reinforcement for Toronto’s pitching staff.
In the current season, Domínguez has maintained an effectiveness of 3.24 in 41 2/3 innings, accumulating 54 strikeouts and a rate of 11.7 K/9, although he has also experienced an increase in his number of walks (5.2 BB/9). The Dominican pitcher is in the last year of a three-season contract with a salary of 8 million dollars.
Toronto remains active in the market, showing interest in Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley and other relievers. The recent 16-4 loss in Tuesday’s first game has highlighted the need to reinforce the bullpen.
Domínguez could assume the role of preparer left vacant by Yimi García, currently on the injured list. He will join a group of relievers that includes Jeff Hoffman, Brendon Little, Braydon Fisher and Yariel Rodríguez, consolidating a more solid back end.
For his part, 22-year-old Watts-Brown is considered one of the pitchers with the greatest projection in the Toronto system. In High-A and Double-A this season, he has recorded an ERA of 3.54, with 115 strikeouts in 89 innings, thanks to his effective slider. Interestingly, like Domínguez, the young pitcher will also change teams crossing the diamond, as his affiliate, New Hampshire, faces Bowie this week, the Double-A affiliate of the Orioles.
With the trade deadline scheduled for this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), the Blue Jays are expected to continue looking for players to keep them competitive in the final stretch of the season.
