Orioles' Starter Leaves Game With Right Elbow Injury

Zach Eflin's return to the mound cut short by apparent elbow issue.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:38am

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Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin left his first start of the 2026 season on Tuesday night in the fourth inning due to an apparent right elbow injury. Eflin had been impressive in Spring Training and was looking to bounce back after a difficult 2025 season, but the injury puts his immediate future in doubt.

Why it matters

Eflin's injury is a major concern for the Orioles, who were counting on him to be a key part of their starting rotation this season. The team's pitching depth will be tested if Eflin is forced to miss significant time, and it could impact their plans for the rest of the rotation.

The details

Eflin cruised through the first three innings, striking out six batters, but ran into trouble in the fourth. After recording the first two outs, Eflin threw a curveball to Texas Rangers outfielder Ezequiel Duran and immediately felt discomfort in his right elbow. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz and head athletic trainer Scott Barringer quickly removed Eflin from the game.

  • Eflin left the game in the fourth inning on April 1, 2026.
  • Eflin's first start of the 2026 season was on April 1, 2026.

The players

Zach Eflin

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher who left Tuesday's game with a right elbow injury.

Craig Albernaz

Baltimore Orioles manager.

Scott Barringer

Baltimore Orioles head athletic trainer.

Ezequiel Duran

Texas Rangers outfielder who was batting against Eflin when the injury occurred.

Dean Kremer

Baltimore Orioles pitcher who could be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk if Eflin misses time.

Cade Povich

Baltimore Orioles pitcher who could be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk if Eflin misses time.

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What they’re saying

“Orioles say Zach Eflin left the game with right elbow discomfort”

— Jacob Calvin Meyer

“Zach Eflin's 2Ks in the 1st.”

— Rob Friedman

What’s next

If Eflin is forced to miss time, either Dean Kremer or Cade Povich could be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to fill his spot in the rotation. Kremer is currently scheduled to start on Friday, but could be bumped to Monday to take Eflin's next scheduled start against the Chicago White Sox.

The takeaway

Eflin's injury is a significant setback for the Orioles, who were counting on him to be a key part of their starting rotation this season. The team's pitching depth will be tested, and the timeline for Eflin's return will be closely monitored as the Orioles look to maintain their momentum from a strong 2025 campaign.