Orioles Pitcher Zach Eflin Undergoes Successful Tommy John Surgery

The 32-year-old right-hander will miss the 2026 season after the procedure performed in Texas.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:12pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy, green, and orange, conveying the complex physical toll of a season-ending injury.Eflin's season-ending surgery leaves a hole in the Orioles' pitching staff as they aim to build on last year's progress.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin has undergone successful Tommy John surgery, the team announced on Wednesday. The 32-year-old right-hander left a start against the Texas Rangers on March 31 with elbow discomfort and will now miss the entire 2026 season as he recovers from the procedure, which was performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas.

Why it matters

Eflin was expected to be a key part of the Orioles' starting rotation this season after re-signing with the team for $10 million in the offseason. His absence will be a significant blow to Baltimore's pitching staff as they look to build on a promising 2025 campaign.

The details

Eflin, who turned 32 on Wednesday, finished the 2025 season with a 6-5 record and 5.93 ERA in 14 starts. He has been a steady presence in the majors over the past nine seasons, compiling a 68-67 record and 4.28 ERA in 201 career starts with the Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and Philadelphia Phillies.

  • Eflin left his start against the Texas Rangers on March 31 with elbow discomfort.
  • The Tommy John surgery was performed on April 5, 2026.

The players

Zach Eflin

A 32-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who has been in the major leagues for nine seasons.

Dr. Keith Meister

The surgeon who performed Eflin's Tommy John surgery in Arlington, Texas.

Baltimore Orioles

The Major League Baseball team that Eflin plays for, based in Baltimore, Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“Zach Eflin is a valuable part of our pitching staff, and we're confident he'll make a full recovery from this procedure.”

— Mike Elias, General Manager, Baltimore Orioles

What’s next

Eflin will begin his rehabilitation process and is expected to miss the entire 2026 MLB season as he recovers from the Tommy John surgery.

The takeaway

The loss of Zach Eflin to a season-ending Tommy John surgery is a significant setback for the Baltimore Orioles, who were counting on the veteran right-hander to be a key part of their starting rotation this year. The team will now have to find a way to fill the void left by Eflin's absence as they look to build on their promising 2025 campaign.