Phillies trade Seranthony Dominguez, Cristian Pache to Orioles for Austin Hays
Julio Cortez/AP Photo
With the trade deadline just four days away, the Phillies’ outfield was in need of some help. Friday morning, Dave Dombrowski and the Phils made things happen.
They acquired Austin Hays from the Orioles in exchange for Seranthony Dominguez and Cristian Pache. Hays will wear No. 9.
Hays was an All-Star last season, but his role was minimized with the Orioles this year. He is hitting .255 with a .711 OPS this season.
But against left-handed pitching, oh man, Hays is disgusting. He is hitting. 328/.394/.500 with eight doubles and a home run in 72 plate appearances against lefties.
The primary left fielder, who has spent some time in the center over his career, will likely platoon with Brandon Marsh with Johan Rojas playing in center. Or Hays could play center field with someone like Weston Wilson or, another player traded into Philadelphia, in left if the Phillies decide to stack righties for matchup purposes.
Dombrowski Friday afternoon said he tried to get Hays before the last two trade deadlines. They see him as a left fielder who will play against left-handed pitching. But Dombrowski said they think he can still hit RHP.
Dominguez signed with the Phillies as an international free agent, in 2011, making his debut in 2018, where he lit up the league with his high velocity. But, he would miss most of the next three seasons before returning as a trusted arm in the back end of the 2022 National League championship bullpen, including closing out the NLDS. Since then, he has dwindled and has a 4.75 ERA this season.
The Phillies activated Michael Rucker from the IL to fill Dominguez’s spot in the bullpen.
Pache was acquired just after the season began in 2023. He was fine at the plate against left-handed pitching last year but took a step back this season.
Dombrowski said Friday because there are more buyers than sellers, “If you are going to make a trade for somebody that you really want, you better be aggressive.” He said trade talks are further along than in previous years at this point.
The Phillies are not done ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Dombrowski said they are still looking for bullpen help. And with trading Dominguez, it looks likely they will get it.
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