Rumors from earlier in the week found the Baltimore Orioles were possibly interested in trading for San Diego Padres pitcher Andrew Cashner. Well, the two MLB clubs worked out a trade today, but Cashner wasn't involved.
The Orioles have acquired right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne from San Diego. Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com was the first to report the deal. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal confirmed Kubatko's report. Both teams then confirmed the news on Twitter shortly after.
The Pads received minor league pitcher Jean Cosme in exchange for Despaigne.
The Orioles have acquired RHP Odrisamer Despaigne from the San Diego Padres in exchange for minor league RHP Jean Cosme.
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 4, 2016
To make room for Despaigne on the 40-man roster, LHP C.J. Riefenhauser has been designated for assignment.
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 4, 2016
OFFICIAL: The #Padres sign Fernando Rodney to one-year contract and acquire RHP Jean Cosme in exchange for Despaigne https://t.co/5HvnFIyiu5
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 4, 2016
This trade could very well end the Orioles' pursuit of a starting pitcher (although that's not known at this point). Despaigne, 28, made his MLB debut in 2014 and finished 4-7 with a 3.36 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 16 starts (96-1/3 innings) that year. However, in 2015, he bounced between the rotation and bullpen after Brandon Morrow beat him out for a starting job in spring training. He did not perform well in the rotation after Morrow was placed on the DL.
Despaigne finished 5-9 with a 5.80 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 69 strikeouts in 34 games (18 starts), totaling 125-2/3 innings. He struggled in both capacities as he racked up a 5.44 ERA in 18 starts and a 7.30 ERA in 16 relief appearances.
However, his 2014 campaign perhaps provides a reason for the O's to believe.
"Despaigne should be a solid addition to our pitching staff," executive vice president Dan Duquette told Kubatko in a text. "Very capable and crafty pitcher."
