Orioles Seek Free Agent Pitching Solutions After Zach Eflin's Season-Ending Injury

Two veteran AL East starters could be options for Baltimore to replace their injured rotation piece.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the fragmented state of the Orioles' pitching staff.The Orioles' rotation faces a fractured future after losing Zach Eflin to injury, requiring a creative free agent solution.Boston Today

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin underwent season-ending right elbow surgery, leaving a hole in the team's starting rotation. With pitching injuries mounting across the American League East, the Orioles are exploring free agent options to fill Eflin's spot, including former Red Sox and Yankees starters Lucas Giolito and Marcus Stroman.

Why it matters

The loss of Eflin is a significant blow to the Orioles, who were counting on him to be a key part of their rotation this season. With pitching depth already thin in the AL East, the Orioles will need to act quickly to find a replacement who can step in and contribute immediately.

The details

Eflin made just one start for the Orioles before being sidelined by a right elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, ending his 2026 campaign. The Orioles had re-signed Eflin to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027 this past offseason. Now, the team must look elsewhere to fill the void left by his absence.

  • On April 8, 2026, Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin underwent successful right elbow UCL reconstruction surgery.
  • Eflin is expected to miss the entire 2026 MLB season due to the injury.

The players

Zach Eflin

A starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery after making just one start in 2026.

Lucas Giolito

A free agent starting pitcher who spent the last two seasons with the Boston Red Sox, missing the 2024 season but posting a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts in 2025.

Marcus Stroman

A free agent starting pitcher who spent the last two seasons with the New York Yankees, struggling in 2025 with a 6.23 ERA but posting a 4.31 ERA in 2024 and sub-4.00 ERAs from 2019-2023.

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What they’re saying

“Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin had successful right elbow UCL reconstruction with Dr. Keith Meister. He's out for the season.”

— Robert Murray, Reporter

What’s next

The Orioles will need to act quickly to find a free agent replacement for Zach Eflin in their starting rotation, with pitching injuries mounting across the AL East.

The takeaway

The loss of Zach Eflin to a season-ending injury is a significant blow to the Orioles' pitching staff, leaving them in need of a free agent solution to fill the hole in their rotation. With veteran starters like Lucas Giolito and Marcus Stroman available, the Orioles have experienced options to consider as they look to keep pace in the competitive AL East.