The Orioles bolstered their rotation by acquiring right handed pitcher Jack Flaherty from the St. Louis Cardinals ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, and the 27-year-old brings stability and dependability as a veteran with playoff experience.
The Orioles gave up prospects César Prieto, Drew Rom and Zack Showalter in the deal for Flaherty. The Orioles currently hold the top spot in the American League East at 70-43, and their rotation thus far has been solid. However, Flaherty hopes to help Baltimore lock up the division and perhaps lead the rotation heading into the postseason.
Flaherty pitched for former Cardinals manager Mike Shildt from 2018-2021, a four-year period during which the Cardinals made the postseason in three seasons.
Shildt says the Orioles are getting a professional on and off the field in Flaherty.
“He’s really, really good with his in between [starts] preparation. He takes good care of his body, he’s very attention to detail,” Shildt said on Glenn Clark Radio Aug. 3. “He’s a pro. I mean, he’s a pro’s pro, good athlete. So at every turn in that clubhouse, he’s going to be a tremendous example.”
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-hander led the Cardinals to the NLCS and finished fourth in Cy Young Award voting in 2019 after setting career numbers in just about every category. He started 33 games, posting a 2.75 ERA and 231 strikeouts in 196.1 innings.
Flaherty struggled to repeat his success the following year, and COVID delays certainly didn’t help. For the past three seasons, Flaherty dealt with multiple setbacks, largely oblique and repeated right shoulder injuries that hindered his ability to build any momentum.
This season he’s gotten healthy again and started the most games since his magical 2019 season. Shildt believes he can replicate his past success.
“I can confidently tell you that a guy like Jack, you know that he’s going to take care of himself, you know he’s going to rehab properly, you know that he’s going to prehab properly,” Shildt said. “And look, he’s still a young guy and he’s pitched well recently. So, my optimism for him to get back to a high-caliber form is high.”
Flaherty finished his Cardinals career with a 41-31 record, a 3.58 ERA and 706 strikeouts in 122 appearances. He also holds the franchise record for most strikeouts and fewest hits per nine innings.
Flaherty departs a decorated franchise that has had just one losing season during the 21st century. However, the Cardinals have struggled this season and are on track to have their first losing season since 2007. Now, he’s stepping into a clubhouse that has the second-best record in baseball.
“It’s an opportunity for him to come in, be with a club that’s competing for a playoff spot and a World Series opportunity,” Shildt said. “It can invigorate you and get you going, and you know the competitor that these guys are, it excites them.”
Flaherty made his debut with the Orioles Aug. 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched six innings, allowing four hits and striking out eight batters. The Orioles went on to win 6-1. Flaherty will continue to be a large piece of the Orioles rotation to close out the season.
Shildt says it wouldn’t surprise him if Flaherty were to start Game 1 of a playoff series for the Orioles.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he leads the series out but regardless when he throws in a series you know he’s going to go out there and … compete and has the weapons to back it up,” Shildt said.
For more from Shildt, listen to the full interview here:
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