Orioles trade for flamethrowing pitcher

The Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline is around the corner, and two American League teams swung an interesting deal on Wednesday.

The Baltimore Orioles acquired right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Triple-A left-hander Easton Lucas.

We have made the following trade: pic.twitter.com/cXvbxsW9Ny

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 19, 2023

Thank you, Shintaro Fujinami!

Wishing you the best in Baltimore! pic.twitter.com/EtyqwrzbLP

— Oakland A's (@Athletics) July 20, 2023

Fujinami, 29, is a rookie after signing a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the A’s over the offseason. He starred for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan from 2013-22.

While Fujinami has an 8.97 ERA in 49 1/3 innings pitched, there’s plenty of intrigue here for Baltimore. The Orioles will likely use him as a reliever, where he has a 5.40 ERA and 3.68 FIP over 31 2/3 innings pitched, compared to a 14.26 ERA and 7.20 FIP over 17 2/3 innings pitched as a starter.

Additionally, Fujinami has been putting his 100 mph fastball to much better use lately.

Shintaro Fujinami. 💯 pic.twitter.com/OyecK9HVJ8

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 16, 2023

In 11 innings over his last nine appearances, Fujinami has allowed two earned runs and zero walks, while striking out 12. He has a 3.32 ERA over his last 20 appearances.

Fujinami has a 3.32 ERA in 20 appearances dating back to May 27.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 19, 2023

So, in recent weeks, Fujinami looked much more like the pitcher the A’s thought they were getting, and clearly the Orioles are believers.

Fujinami joins a Baltimore bullpen that leads the majors in wins above replacement according to FanGraphs, led by Felix Bautista and Yennier Cano. That bullpen is a huge reason the Orioles have the best record in the AL.

As for the rebuilding Athletics’ side of the trade, Lucas has a 4.26 ERA over 12 2/3 innings as a reliever this season in Triple-A.