As the MLB trading deadline nears, excitement builds among fans and journalists, with everyone keeping an eye out for those poignant “Hug Watch” moments—when players get emotional farewells from teammates before making the shift to their new teams.
Yesterday in Baltimore, things unfolded a bit differently.
The Orioles faced off against the Toronto Blue Jays in a doubleheader. This matchup was a rescheduled game due to rain that had impacted their earlier meeting on April 11. Baltimore claimed victory in the first game with a commanding score of 16-4.
However, with the Orioles struggling in the American League East, the front office was active. General manager Mike Elias was on the move during the games, trading relief pitcher Celant Ne Dominguez.
To the Blue Jays.
Therefore, instead of heading out of Camden Yards to catch a flight to join his new teammates in Toronto, Dominguez found himself walking to the visitors’ clubhouse for Game 2.
When Dominguez made his way to the bullpen for the second game, he passed by his old teammates, exchanging hugs before transitioning to the Toronto bullpen.
He didn’t pitch in the first game, but he was called upon to take the mound in the second game for Toronto.
There was a humorous observation made about the number on his jersey; the clubhouse staff had little time to get everything ready, leading to a bit of a mix-up.
Despite the chaos, Dominguez stepped up, delivering scoreless innings and even getting two of his former teammates out.
While his new team lost both games, falling 3-2 in the second, it’s a day Dominguez is likely to remember for a long time.
