We did it y’all, Friday is here. Sit down, relax, get comfortable, and enjoy today’s Orioles news roundup! As usual we’ve got more site news to cover in addition to catching you up on everything happening around the rest of Major League Baseball. Let’s do this!
Orioles News 12/2/22 – Rule 5 Draft speculation and other MLB news
Party of (Rule) 5
The Rule 5 Draft holds a special place in the hearts of Orioles fans everywhere thanks to Dan Duquette wearing it out like his favorite Tom Petty CD (no source to confirm that, Duquette looks like a Petty guy). Who will join the likes of TJ McFarland, Ryan Flaherty, and Anthony Santander in the halls of Orioles Rule 5 greats? We’ll have to find out, but there’s no harm in speculating in the meantime.
MLB News
Tampa Bay Rays sign P Zach Eflin
The Rays made a little bit of history on Thursday by signing swingman pitcher Zach Eflin to a three years, $40 million deal that, believe it or not, represents the largest free agent contract the franchise has ever given out.
The former Phillies pitcher finished last season with a 4.04 ERA/3.56 FIP and should benefit from leaving behind what was one of the league’s worst defenses. The 28 year old doesn’t light up radar guns with his fastball but avoids hard contact, walks, and home runs with the best of them.
Dodgers buy lottery ticket with RHP Miller
Los Angeles finalized a one year, $1.5 million agreement with 32 year old righty Shelby Miller Thursday. Do you remember him?
The former Cardinals top prospect was one of baseball’s most promising young pitchers from his debut in 2012 to 2016, when he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the deal that brought Ender Inciarte and Dansby Swanson to Atlanta. Miller struggled mightily in 2016 before undergoing Tommy John Surgery and has encountered a string of injuries since that have limited him to 101.2 innings between five different teams from 2017-22. This is a classic no risk, high reward situation for the Dodgers, who have nothing to lose by giving Miller a shot.
Enjoy the rest of your Friday, Birdland!