The Baltimore Orioles today announced a major trade deal with the Chicago Cubs. According to an MLB.com report, the Orioles have received pitcher Scott Feldman and catcher Steve Clevenger, who was optioned to the Triple-A Orioles affiliate Norfolk Tides. In return, the Cubs received pitchers Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop, along with $338,100 in international signing slot bonuses.

“He’s a proven veteran starting pitcher, and he should help stabilize our rotation in the second half of the season,” said Dan Duquette, VP of operations at the Orioles. “We are going to be able to make another addition to our rotation hopefully in another week when [Wei-Yin] Chen rejoins the club, so I think at this stage, let’s see what Feldman and Chen do for us,”

Feldman will make his debut as an Oriole on Wednesday night against the Chicago White Sox. The right-hander is a veteran who pitched for the Texas Rangers for seven years before joining the Cubs this year. Feldman has gone 7-6 with a 3.46 ERA so far this season with the Cubs.

Both Strop and Arrieta have had disappointing starts to their season. Strop has gone 0-3 with a 7.25 ERA, and Arrieta currently holds a 1-2 record with a 7.23 ERA this season.

“It’s kind of sad to leave an organization I’ve been with since I was drafted,” said Arrieta. “A lot of special moments and great relationships that I’ve formed when I was with the Orioles, and that’s what I’ll miss the most. But there’s opportunity for me in Chicago, and I’m going to try to make the most of it.

“I wouldn’t say [it’s] a completely fresh start. But I’ve learned a lot and continue to grow as a player and a person. My numbers haven’t been what everybody expected, what I expected, but there’s so much room for me to grow, and I know that’s what Chicago wants from me. They want me to have an opportunity and be able to continue to progress and reach my potential.”

(via MLB.com)