Zach Eflin’s season is over before it ever really got going.
Eflin, 32, underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery, the Orioles announced Wednesday, after he made just one start for the ballclub this season.
The right-hander threw just 3 ⅔ innings when he took the mound on March 31 against the Rangers before exiting the game with right elbow discomfort.
He was placed on the 15-day injured list shortly after and underwent an MRI. He then flew to Texas to get a second opinion on imaging from Dr. Keith Meister, who ultimately ended up performing the procedure.
Zach Eflin of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 31, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. Getty Images “I feel for Zach,” manager Craig Albernaz told reporters last week, according to the Baltimore Banner. “The whole coaching staff, the whole team, you just feel for him. Heart hurts for him. You never want to see anything happen to any player, especially someone like Zach.”
It’s a tough break for Eflin, who saw his 2025 season hindered by three separate stints on the IL and didn’t pitch again after July 28.
Eflin has spent parts of three seasons with the Orioles after arriving in Baltimore in 2024 via a trade with the Rays.
This offseason, the Orioles re-signed Eflin to a one-year contract worth a guaranteed $10 million, which also included a mutual option for 2027.
Eflin has spent 11 years in the major leagues, spending the first seven in MLB with the Phillies.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Baltimore. AP During his time with the Orioles, Eflin has posted an 11-7 record with a 4.42 ERA and 104 strikeouts.
He had a 5.93 ERA in 14 starts during the 2025 season.
The Orioles are 6-6 and second in the American League East after winning three straight games against the White Sox.
