Eduardo Encina, Orioles beat reporter: I don't think anyone expected the Orioles to make a big splash, and the acquisition of left-hander Wade Miley and a reunion with Steve Pearce make this team better. But it pales in comparison to what other pennant contenders did at the deadline. The Texas Rangers, after getting Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Beltran, arrive at Camden Yards this week as the American League favorites. The Toronto Blue Jays, whose starters already log more innings than any other team's, grabbed two other starting options. The Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox shored up their bullpens, and despite waving a white flag for 2016, the New York Yankees made big gains in restocking their farm system.

Jon Meoli, Orioles beat reporter: Throughout July, the prices for trades around baseball were eye-popping. Prospects seemingly are valued more than ever, but the prices for rentals and long-term assets were still high. Acquiring Wade Miley and Steve Pearce for the relatively low prices of Ariel Miranda and Jonah Heim, respectively, is sound business for the Orioles, even if those aren't impact acquisitions. Miley is an upgrade only in the sense that he's a reliable fill-in for the Ubaldo Jimenez-Vance Worley spot in the rotation, while Pearce could be a good platoon bat in left field with Hyun Soo Kim and can fill in at many positions. They couldn't pay the price for many of the other pieces available. This will have to do.

Peter Schmuck, columnist: The Orioles needed a left-handed starter and got one in the Seattle Mariners' Wade Miley, who has been pitching well over the past month, which was a necessary move but far from a blockbuster. The return of outfielder Steve Pearce adds a little more pop to a lineup that has not been living up to its billing in the second half. All in all, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette did what he had the wherewithal to do. Now he and Buck Showalter have to decide over the next day or two who stays and who goes from the current roster.

Josh Land, Orioles editor:The Orioles did what they could and said they would. They made rotation depth (not an ace) a priority, and got it. They also dealt for Steve Pearce to help cover some of the offensive warts that have been showing up lately. The move for Wiley makes the club marginally better on the surface, maybe more so if he keeps pitching as he has lately, but improves the bullpen by likely pushing Vance Worley back to the role in which he was most dependable. Getting Pearce improves the Orioles offensively more than Melvin Upton Jr. might have, and Pearce doesn't embarrass himself defensively. The club knows him, likes him and is clearly glad to get him back without parting with one of its top prospects.