Orioles Pitcher Zach Eflin Out for Season After Tommy John Surgery

The 32-year-old right-hander will miss the 2026 season due to the procedure.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:03am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the throwing motion of a baseball pitcher, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color.The loss of Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin to season-ending Tommy John surgery leaves a gaping hole in their starting rotation as they aim to build on last year's .500 record.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin has undergone season-ending Tommy John surgery, the team announced. Eflin experienced right elbow discomfort just 3 innings into his first start of the 2026 season against the Texas Rangers on March 31st, leading to the injury diagnosis and subsequent surgery.

Why it matters

Eflin was expected to be a key part of the Orioles' pitching rotation this season as they look to build on their .500 record from 2025. His absence will be a significant blow, as the team will now need to find a replacement to fill his spot in the starting lineup.

The details

Eflin, a 32-year-old right-hander, was placed on the 60-day injured list after the injury. Last season, he spent time on the IL three times due to back and lat issues. The Orioles will now need to look to their depth options to replace Eflin in the rotation for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.

  • Eflin experienced the elbow discomfort during his first start of the 2026 season on March 31st.
  • The Orioles announced Eflin's season-ending Tommy John surgery on April 9, 2026.

The players

Zach Eflin

A 32-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who will miss the 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Baltimore Orioles

The Major League Baseball team that Zach Eflin plays for, who will need to find a replacement for him in their starting rotation for the 2026 season.

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What’s next

The Orioles will need to evaluate their internal options to replace Eflin in the starting rotation for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Eflin's season-ending injury is a significant blow to the Orioles' pitching staff as they look to build on their .500 record from 2025. The team will need to turn to their depth options to fill the void left by Eflin's absence.