Dan Duquette on trade deadline and today's additions

The Orioles did not make a trade last night as midnight came and passed with no deal. The Orioles have made late August trades in the past and any player acquired before the calendar turns to September is eligible for the playoff roster.

No deals were made, but executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said the Orioles came close.

"We tried to supplement our pitching staff, but we couldn't find the right fit," Duquette said. "We had three or four options that we were exploring. Ultimately, we decided to supplement our pitching staff from within the organization and add Jimmy Yacabonis. We're going to take a look at Richard Rodriguez. He's had a couple of really good years at Triple-A. Taking into consideration the pitching we would have had to give up to acquire pitching for our major league team, we thought the best option was to add the guys we had in the minors.

"We had two conversations that were getting close to a deal, but that didn't work out. So we were happy with bringing these other guys up."

The Orioles made several roster additions today as major league rosters can now expand to a max of 40 players. The Orioles added pitchers Yacabonis and Rodriguez, catcher Chance Sisco, infielder Pedro Álvarez and outfielder Joey Rickard. Pitchers Tyler Wilson and Logan Verrett were designated for assignment.

Duquette made it clear today that more pitchers are going to be added and he referenced Donnie Hart and Mike Wright returning. They must stay in the minors for 10 days before they can return - on Sept. 8 for Wright and Sept. 9 for Hart.

"Yeah, we are going to continue to add and supplement the team," Duquette said. "We had a couple of guys that weren't eligible to come back. Once their time is up in the minors, they can return to help the club. So we expect to do that. Then there are some other additions that we can make.

"Fortunately, the Bowie team is going to be in the playoffs, so some of the players will continue to play and be available to help the major league team."

The Eastern League playoffs start Sept. 6 for Double-A Bowie, but that would not keep the Orioles from taking a player or players from Bowie, Duquette said.

Sisco today got his first call to the major leagues.

"Well, he's a left-hander hitter," Duquette said. "And he's been publicized as our top prospect for a couple of years. He's taken the time and made the effort to learn his trade as a catcher. It's a tough job and he's improved a lot in terms of his throwing. I think he's thrown out 41 percent since the All-Star break. That is the area of his game we were hoping he would work on and he's continued to hit every step of the way.

"He's a good complement to two right-handed hitting catchers, although our catchers have been among the best-hitting catchers in the league. But I'm really proud of the progress he's made defensively. He'll get some good experience and he can hit. He's a gifted young player with a good future."

Sisco hit .267/.340/.395 with 23 doubles, seven home runs and 47 RBIs in 97 games with Triple-A Norfolk. He was ranked as the Orioles' No. 1 prospect after last season by Baseball America.

Duquette said it was not an easy move to DFA Wilson.

"He's a great kid and gave his best every day he worked for the Orioles and he did some good work for us," he said.

So the Orioles did not add to their pitching staff from outside last night, but added from within today. Duquette remains hopeful that some of the current staff can still help this team this month.

"Well, I have been expecting the veteran pitchers on this staff to step up and pitch the way they are capable of all year," he said. "And we have one more month to go. It's still my expectation and hope that they step up and make a contribution like they have in the past."