Orioles Place Pitcher Zach Eflin on 15-Day Injured List

Elbow discomfort sidelines Orioles' starting pitcher for at least two weeks

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:32pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of orange, black, and white, representing the fragmented nature of the Orioles' pitching staff due to Zach Eflin's injury.The Orioles' pitching rotation faces a new challenge as an elbow injury sidelines one of their key starters.Baltimore Today

The Baltimore Orioles have placed starting pitcher Zach Eflin on the 15-day injured list due to elbow discomfort he experienced during Tuesday's game. The team is hopeful Eflin can avoid a more serious injury like Tommy John surgery, but he will miss at least the next couple of weeks as the club calls up pitchers Albert Suárez and Dean Kremer to fill in.

Why it matters

Eflin's injury is a significant blow to the Orioles' pitching rotation, as he has been a key part of their starting staff. The team is already dealing with other injuries, including infielder Jordan Westburg's partially torn UCL, so Eflin's absence puts added pressure on the Orioles' depth and ability to stay competitive in the early part of the season.

The details

Eflin left Tuesday's game in the fourth inning after feeling discomfort in his elbow following a pitch. The Orioles have placed him on the 15-day injured list, hoping the rest and treatment will allow him to avoid a more serious injury like Tommy John surgery. To fill Eflin's spot, the team has selected the contract of pitcher Albert Suárez from Triple-A and will also likely call up Dean Kremer from the minors.

  • Eflin left Tuesday's game in the fourth inning with the elbow issue.
  • The Orioles placed Eflin on the 15-day injured list on April 1, 2026.

The players

Zach Eflin

The Orioles' starting pitcher who was placed on the injured list with elbow discomfort.

Albert Suárez

A pitcher whose contract was selected from Triple-A to help fill in for Eflin's absence.

Dean Kremer

An Orioles pitcher who is expected to be called up from the minors to help replace Eflin in the starting rotation.

Jordan Westburg

An Orioles infielder who was transferred to the 60-day injured list due to a partially torn UCL in his elbow.

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What they’re saying

“We're hopeful this is just a minor issue and Zach can return in a couple weeks, but we have to be cautious with any elbow injury for a pitcher.”

— Brandon Hyde, Orioles Manager

What’s next

The Orioles will monitor Eflin's recovery and hope he can avoid a more serious injury. In the meantime, the team will rely on Suárez and Kremer to fill the void in the starting rotation.

The takeaway

Eflin's injury is a setback for the Orioles, who are already dealing with other roster challenges early in the season. The team's depth will be tested as they try to weather this latest injury and keep their pitching staff competitive.