Orioles' Starter Leaves Game With Right Elbow Injury

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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 cruised through the first three innings but was pulled from the game after throwing a curveball to Ezequiel Duran.

Why it matters

Eflin's injury is a concerning development for the Orioles, who were counting on the right-hander to solidify the back end of their starting rotation this season. The team will now have to determine the severity of the injury and how long Eflin may be sidelined.

The details

Eflin struck out six batters and allowed just one solo home run through the first three innings before exiting with the elbow issue in the fourth. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz and head athletic trainer Scott Barringer visited Eflin on the mound and promptly removed him from the game. Eflin was able to walk off the field under his own power, but the team announced he was dealing with right elbow discomfort.

• Eflin left the game in the fourth inning on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
• Eflin's first start of the 2026 season was cut short due to the injury.

What’s next

If Eflin were to miss a significant period of time, it would likely mean that either Dean Kremer or Cade Povich would be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to take his spot in the Orioles' starting rotation.